File photo courtesy Freepik

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has raised alarms about the presence of formaldehyde in e-cigarette liquids illicitly sold within Thailand, warning that the chemical's aerosol form is carcinogenic.

 

Phanumat Yannawetsakun, DDC director-general, highlighted the disturbing trend of low awareness among the youth about the health risks posed by toxic substances in vape juices. The increasing allure of flavoured e-liquids, designed to entice young users, often harbours toxins, notably formaldehyde.

 

Once vaporised, formaldehyde presents a significant risk of being absorbed into the respiratory system, leading to cancer, alongside causing irritation to the eyes and skin. These findings have prompted serious concerns about the safety of vaping products currently available on the market.

 

In light of these observations, the Royal College of Pediatricians Thailand, together with 13 other medical royal colleges, have made a resolute stand against any initiative intending to legalise vape products in Thailand. Their pronouncement coincided with National Public Health Day commemorations on November 27th.

 

Dr Suphitcha Saengchot, representing the Royal College, cited a poignant example: an 11-year-old girl from Ubon Ratchathani experienced severe lung injury and pneumonia attributed to vaping habits.

 

The young patient confessed to using vapes for six months, allured by the array of flavours readily available in local shops.

 

The Royal College's report unveiled findings that e-cigarette marketers are strategically targeting younger demographics, from primary to secondary school students.

 

The impact of nicotine from these devices is grave, potentially impairing brain development in children by diminishing efficiency by three to fourfold. Furthermore, it indirectly triggers the release of dopamine, escalating addiction risks, and fostering conditions like depression, ADHD, and even suicidal tendencies.

 

A source revealed that the Network of Children and Youths Against E-cigarettes is vociferously campaigning against the House of Representatives' anticipated vote on December 12 regarding a proposal to legalise vapes.

 

The group plans to deliver their petition, backed by supportive signatures, to the House Speaker on December 8.

 

"We are striving for stronger protection for the future generations," stated the group, urging Members of Parliament to prioritise public health over political agendas seeking to legitimise a hazardous commodity.

 

The group remains steadfast in its vision to protect young Thais from the dangers posed by e-cigarettes, advocating for their health and well-being above all, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-12-02

 

 

Maybe so, but what about tobacco products are they considered to be a safer alternative?

37 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Maybe so, but what about tobacco products are they considered to be a safer alternative?

Formaldehyde is also emitted in tobacco smoke. As for the article itself exactly what studies is this claim based on. "Once vaporised, formaldehyde presents a significant risk of being absorbed into the respiratory system, leading to cancer...,". This is a definitive statement so what's the basis of it. Yes formaldehyde is carcinogenic but like many things only with very high exposure.

"The group plans to deliver their petition, backed by supportive signatures, to the House Speaker on December 8." Again evidence based science seems not to be needed. Just signatures. As for protecting children, absolutely, but keeping a product illegal that is already widely available is senseless. Apart from this I am yet to see anyone that is clearly under 16 years old vaping. Sure it probably happens but so does children under 16 smoking cigarettes.

Personally vaping helped me kick a 40+ yr smoking habit. My nicotine addiction continues. Of course vaping is in no way free of harm but much better than smoking cigarettes IMHO.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has raised alarms about the presence of formaldehyde in e-cigarette liquids illicitly sold within Thailand, warning that the chemical's aerosol form is carcinogenic.

Just like the real thing... go ban them.

If they are not going to regulate the quality of vape juice, then why even bother to state that there are dodgy chemicals contained in the unregulated juice.

Probably got paid by a tobacco company to spout rubbish to keep the uneducated minions scared.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The impact of nicotine from these devices is grave, potentially impairing brain development in children by diminishing efficiency by three to fourfold. Furthermore, it indirectly triggers the release of dopamine, escalating addiction risks, and fostering conditions like depression, ADHD, and even suicidal tendencies.

So I guess the nicotine in cigarettes, a legal product, is somehow different. Just more ridiculous nonsense from the agenda driven crusaders.

Parents, make sure that your children aren’t vaping if they are under 18. Shops, Don’t sell to kids under 18. Why can’t they just educate the kids about the harms of smoking and enforce/ fine those shops and parents that let their children smoke/vape. Sure some kids will do it. It’s always been that way, but it’s insane to me that they won’t do anything about cigarettes, just vapes. I know we are asking a lot from the government and police. If only laws were enforced here. 

4 hours ago, anchadian said:

Maybe so, but what about tobacco products are they considered to be a safer alternative?

 

Maybe just stop smoking, that would be a "safer alternative".

alcohol is, smoking is, sex has it risks with prosti flakes

 

 Alarming Formaldehyde Levels Found in E-Cigarette Liquids.  

 warning that the chemical's aerosol form is carcinogenic. 

 

 A carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing cancer. Carcinogens may occur naturally in the environment (such as ultraviolet rays in sunlight and certain viruses) or may be generated by humans (such as automobile exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke).

 

It says capable of causing cancer, that doesn't mean that it does Right .🙏