The Health Risks of E-cigarettes in Brazil: A Warning.

According to Tribunaonline news on July 30th, the Health Department of the state of Espirito Santo in Brazil issued a warning reminding people of the risks associated with using e-cigarette devices. The department emphasized that in Brazil, the production, import, sale, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising of all e-cigarette devices are prohibited. Additionally, according to regulations established by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) this year, the use of any e-cigarette devices is also banned in enclosed environments.

The Ministry of Health has issued a warning stating that e-cigarettes are derivatives of tobacco and are related to tobacco dependence, a chronic disease caused by nicotine addiction in tobacco products. Experts believe that these devices may serve as a gateway product for other forms of tobacco use and lead to addiction.

The pulmonary specialist at the metropolitan area regional specialist center (CRE), Kristiane Rocha Moreira Soneghet, expressed.

These devices contain a certain level of nicotine, which could indeed lead people to use other forms of tobacco and maintain a dependence on nicotine, the appealing aroma could also contribute to this habit.

Dr. Christian further pointed out that it is crucial to raise awareness of the dangers of e-cigarettes. Due to the different flavors and smells of e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes, particularly among young people, they often perceive them as harmless to health.

This misunderstanding has made it difficult for many people to realize the dangers of e-cigarettes, leading users to be more resistant to quitting e-cigarettes. It is important to understand that most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and even those without nicotine still have harmful factors. The vapor from e-cigarettes is not just water, as these substances can cause irritation when they come into direct contact with the respiratory system, leading to coughing, bronchitis, or serious acute inflammation, and even causing lung function failure, such as EVALI (e-cigarette-induced lung injury).

E-cigarettes are also related to cardiovascular diseases and coronary heart disease, potentially leading to myocardial infarction and peripheral circulatory system diseases such as thrombosis. In addition, both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain potential carcinogens.

In the state of Espirito Santo, the supervision of e-cigarettes is carried out jointly by the state health supervision department (VISA), the health department (Sesa), the state consumer protection and defense institute (Procon), the consumer police department, and the state public prosecutor's office (MPES). These departments are conducting educational actions targeting the younger population. Additionally, the public can also submit relevant opinions through the E-OUV system of the state audit office.