The Warning Against Misleading Promotion of E-cigarettes to Adolescents

Jul.29.2024
The Warning Against Misleading Promotion of E-cigarettes to Adolescents
Indian experts warn against misleading promotion of e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to tobacco, targeting teenagers strategically.

According to a report by newspatrolling on July 28, Indian health and child rights experts have issued a warning that e-cigarettes are increasingly being portrayed as a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products. This misleading claim is believed to be a strategic move by the e-cigarette industry to target teenagers aged 10 to 19.


Priyank Kanoong, the Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in India, has issued a warning that these products are being promoted by anti-national forces to trap our youths. He has urged all states to take immediate and strict measures to address this threat.


E-cigarettes are just as dangerous as tobacco and drugs in our country. Once children become addicted to these products, they are easily attracted to using other forms of tobacco.


These (e-cigarette) products are being used as a gateway to lifelong addiction, posing a threat to the health and future of our young people. State governments must implement strict measures to address this threat and protect our children from the harm caused by these harmful substances. We must steadfastly commit to ensuring the well-being of our nation's youth.


The 2019 "Ban on E-Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertising) Act" prohibits all e-cigarette products. The implementation of this law is due to India being the second largest market for tobacco, attracting many foreign companies seeking to enter the Indian e-cigarette market.


Dr. Naveen Thacker, distinguished chairman of the International Pediatric Association (IPA), has expressed concerns about the strategies of the tobacco industry.


The industry targets young people using social media and e-commerce platforms, using influencers and even experts to attract them. Their intentions towards young people are obvious, with flavors like bubblegum and candy, illegal sales of 600 enticing varieties. Misconceptions that they are safer than traditional tobacco must be dispelled.


Dr. Pragya Shukla, Head of the Clinical Oncology Department at the Delhi National Cancer Institute and a prominent public health expert, emphasized the importance of countering industry strategies that portray e-cigarettes as healthy products and market them to children.


All our health experts and international health organizations, including the World Health Organization, fully support India's ban on e-cigarettes.


Before implementing the ban, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released a detailed report highlighting the negative impacts of e-cigarette use, pointing out that they may lead to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Product | OXVA launches SlimStick X in Europe and the U.S., shifting from pre-filled to open-system refilling
Product | OXVA launches SlimStick X in Europe and the U.S., shifting from pre-filled to open-system refilling
OXVA has recently launched its new e-cigarette, the SlimStick X. Unlike its predecessor, the SlimStick, which used a pre-filled pod system, the SlimStick X adopts an open-system refillable design, featuring a 2ml pod, a 1.0Ω coil, and a 1400mAh battery. The product has entered online retail channels in markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Spain, with a price of about $23.99.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Rethinking Nicotine Harm Reduction: A Neuroscientist’s Perspective on Scientific Gaps and Future Directions — By Dr. Xin-an Liu
Rethinking Nicotine Harm Reduction: A Neuroscientist’s Perspective on Scientific Gaps and Future Directions — By Dr. Xin-an Liu
After France’s ANSES report on nicotine products and harm reduction, Dr. Xin-an Liu wrote to 2Firsts reassessing the field’s foundations. She argues the debate reveals gaps in evidence on long-term behavioral substitution, addiction pathways and neurobiological impacts, and calls for longitudinal research, integrated behavioral science and neuroimaging, clearer risk assessment and stronger transparency to ensure policy and next-generation product development rest on solid evidence.
Industry Insight
Feb.24
Kentucky Governor Signs Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Product Licensing Bill Into Law
Kentucky Governor Signs Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Product Licensing Bill Into Law
A Kentucky bill relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing was signed by the governor on April 10, 2026, and enacted as Acts Chapter 70. The measure sets application requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licenses, governs batch licensing, renewals, ownership changes, and denial grounds, and requires the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to publish application forms and related regulations within 30 days of the law’s effective date.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco (JT) has introduced the new Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch brand in Japan. The Cola Fizz Medium flavor began early sales on March 3, 2026 via the CLUB JT online shop, and will be rolled out sequentially from April 6 through nationwide channels including 7-Eleven, Lawson, and NewDays. The Berry Mix Medium flavor is expected to launch on CLUB JT around mid-March.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
Philippine officials said government agencies seized illegal vape products worth about PHP 3.6 million during a joint enforcement operation in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces on March 12.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s vape retailers adopt 21+ signage and ID verification requirements, report says
Indonesia’s vape retailers adopt 21+ signage and ID verification requirements, report says
RetailNews Asia reported that the Association of Indonesian Vape Retailers (Arvindo) has directed member stores to stop selling e-cigarettes to people under 21 and to display 21+ signage and verify customer age using valid identification.
Feb.27