Adverse health effects of e-cigarettes

MOH's Reply

The Straits Times, 16 June 2015

Ms Sheena Chan Kim Sua suggested that e-cigarettes be allowed in Singapore, as e-cigarettes would allow smokers to continue their habit but save non-smokers from breathing in second hand smoke (“E-cigarettes may be the solution”; Forum Online, May 30).

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (Ends) aerosol is not merely “water vapour”, contrary to claims in the marketing for these products.

Adverse health effects for third parties exposed to it cannot be ruled out, because the use of e-cigarettes leads to the emission of fine and ultrafine inhalable liquid particles, nicotine, and cancer-causing substances.

Such particles can accumulate indoors, and the particle size is comparable to that for conventional cigarettes.

Additionally, foetal and adolescent nicotine exposure have potential long-term adverse consequences for their brain development.

The Ministry of Health has prohibited the import, distribution and sale of Ends, including e-cigarettes, under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, as there is clear evidence of the health risks that vapour from Ends pose to users and bystanders, the latest being the World Health Organisation’s report on Ends published last year.

While Ends are often marketed as smoking-cessation products, there is very limited and inconclusive evidence that they work as a method for quitting tobacco smoking. Ends which claim to be smoking cessation products should demonstrate their safety and effectiveness with the same level of scientific rigour required for approved nicotine-replacement therapies under the Medicines Act.

Singapore adopts a multi-pronged approach in tobacco control through a combination of legislation and health promotion initiatives.

While Singapore’s smoking prevalence has stabilised in recent years, the availability of Ends can undermine the progress Singapore has made in tobacco control and in improving Singaporeans’ health generally.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems may enhance the attractiveness of smoking itself and perpetuate smoking. These systems may also result in children and non-smokers being initiated into cigarette smoking, while smokers may use both Ends and cigarettes.

Smokers seeking to quit smoking can opt to enrol themselves in a smoking cessation programme, use nicotine replacement therapy or go cold turkey.

Smokers who would like to be supported in their efforts to quit smoking can call Quitline at 1800 438 2000 or join the I Quit club at www.iquitclub.sg

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director
Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health
 

Forum Letter

The Straits Times Online, 30 May

E-cigarettes may be the solution

Mrs Sherley Servos' request for the Government to take measures to prevent people from smoking within their homes is cause for concern ("Outlaw smoke that permeates others' homes"; Forum Online, Wednesday).

This would be difficult to regulate, and would create a lot of unnecessary conflict and negative feelings in a country where we all live in such close proximity.

As a non-smoker, I can understand her concerns with regard to the unpleasant smell and the health issues that may arise from long-term inhalation of second-hand smoke.

However, I have friends and family members who do smoke, and have had to drastically change their habits over the years because of the changes in the law. To prevent them from smoking in the privacy of their own homes seems to me like a gross overstep.

I ask that electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) be introduced here. They have, so far, been banned, but they are the solution to the problem.

To expect our entire population to be smoke-free is much too optimistic. E-cigarettes would allow smokers to continue with their habit, but save non-smokers from having to breathe in second-hand smoke, because only scentless water vapour is exhaled, and e-cigarettes do not produce smoke until one inhales from it.

They would prevent issues such as ashes or cigarette butts dirtying public places or balconies. As no heat source is required, there is also less danger of discarded butts causing fires.

E-cigarettes have been around for years now, and reputable tobacco companies are producing both e-cigarettes and cartridges, if safety is a concern.

The use of e-cigarettes can be regulated in the exact same manner as regular cigarettes, except that when the wind blows, non-smokers are not affected.

E-cigarettes would be a way for our nation to move forward to a cleaner environment, without resorting to blanket laws and regulations that would require more time, effort and money to enact and police.

Sheena Chan Kim Sua (Ms)