UAE: Increasing Popularity of E-cigarettes among Underage Youth

According to UAE media outlet Albayan, many parents and professionals recently made a plea calling on retailers to strictly abide by the law and refrain from selling tobacco or related products to individuals under the age of 18, due to the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents. They highlighted concerns over the fact that some retailers may relax their age verification checks due to the mature appearance of young people, but they view this phenomenon as worrisome.

Parents are calling for the public to have a comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with using e-cigarettes and smoking, particularly as it pertains to parents and young people who need a deeper understanding of the matter. Dr. Maysa Abdullah, a counselor, emphasizes the need for all relevant entities, including educational institutions and families, to collectively protect the new generation from the harms of smoking and enable them to have a healthier future.

Despite promises from some tobacco shop owners, such as Komar Lalish, to comply with the law and only make sales after confirming the customer's age.

However, some parents such as Kumar Shumi and Haba Osman have pointed out that they have discovered certain shops selling "flavored" tobacco products and electronic hookahs to teenagers. These shops often prioritize sales without considering the impact on young people.

Recently, many doctors and experts have issued warnings about the potential harms of using e-cigarettes. They point out that e-cigarettes may even lead to symptoms of "brain fog," such as difficulties with concentration, decreased memory, and confusion, making it difficult to make decisions. Pulmonary experts have stated that e-cigarettes are not any less harmful than traditional tobacco. They warn that using e-cigarettes may lead to pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory failure, and in extreme cases, even death.

Doctors also point out that children under the age of 14 are more likely to visit hospitals, complaining of recurring colds and chest infections, mainly caused by e-cigarettes. Teenagers who smoke e-cigarettes may have more serious consequences. This is because during adolescence, the brain is highly sensitive, which may make individuals in this age group more prone to attention deficit difficulties and occasional depression.

Family medicine experts have identified the ingredients and risks associated with e-cigarettes, such as their detrimental effects on the respiratory system and lungs, as well as their potential to increase the risk of developing cancer in the long run.