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 -Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2019- Alert on the risk of vape and
electronic cigarettes use
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Due to the latest information provided by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the Ministry of Health announced an alert about the use of vaporizers, known as vapes, including e-cigarette. According to the recommendations of the ministry, the use of vapes or e-cigarette, with or without nicotine, is related to the outbreak of a pulmonary syndrome associated with the use of electronic cigarettes in the United States, where it has caused 1,888 cases and 37 deaths as of Oct. 29. "The recommendation is issued through a health alert, which also instructs health centers to notify cases of the mentioned pulmonary syndrome, presenting a history of use of this type of electronic device," said the ministry in its statement. According to the ministry, there is scientific evidence on the health risks of the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes, among which are difficulty breathing, throat and mouth irritation, dry cough, development of respiratory symptoms, increase of severe respiratory disease, reduced pulmonary immune function, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, increased heart rate and blood pressure, kidney failure, low sodium levels and gastrointestinal symptoms, among others. Also, the substances used in vapes or e-cigarette, including tobacco and its derivatives are not safe since these devices do not emit water vapor, but an aerosol composed of a mixture of chemicals, heavy metals and ultrafine particles that can be harmful to both the consumer and the exposed people, said the ministry. According to the ministry, the vape cannot be classified as a method for smoking cessation because there is no independent and conclusive scientific evidence to support their use as an effective method for that purpose. In addition, the Ministry of Health announced that it will support new bills which include a ban on the use of vapes or e-cigarette in public spaces. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multi-state outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated with lung injury. "As of November 5, 2019, 2,051 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury have been reported to CDC from 49 states (all except Alaska), the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory," said the FDA in its statement. Thirty-nine deaths have been confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia, reported the FDA. ------------------------ Should authorities prohibit the use of vapes and e-cigarettes in public areas? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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