In recent years, the increasing use of e-cigarettes poses a serious threat to public health. Associate Professor Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of the Turkey Against Tobacco Association (TSSD), made important statements on the subject.
E-cigarettes, offered as an alternative for those who want to quit smoking, are produced by heating a liquid containing nicotine. Highlighting the content of e-cigarettes, Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “E-cigarettes, presented as an alternative for those who want to quit smoking, pose a great danger to our health. Unfortunately, there are many factors that encourage the use of these types of cigarettes. Do not be misled by this.”
“Do not correct one mistake with another mistake.”
Dr. Aydın, who has been fighting for a smoke-free world for 20 years and has played a pioneering role in all laws enacted against smoking in Turkey, said, “Before the establishment of the Turkey Against Tobacco Association, the number of smokers in the country was 32 million; today, this number has dropped to 10 million. This is very encouraging, but we will continue to fight until the last molecule of tobacco disappears. Starting to use e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking is a big mistake. It is a very wrong attitude to try to correct one mistake with another mistake.”
“Especially common among young people”
Noting that the starting age for smoking is decreasing, Dr. Aydın stated, “Unfortunately, I have to say that the age of starting to smoke has significantly decreased. Young people are introduced to this poison due to peer pressure and social acceptance. Environmental factors and peer pressure make it difficult to quit these types of substances. Therefore, the use of e-cigarettes is becoming increasingly common, especially among young people.”
“Society should be informed about the harms of e-cigarettes”
Emphasizing that e-cigarettes are as harmful as other tobacco products, Dr. Aydın stated, “This must be conveyed very well to young people. E-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine and harmful chemicals like nickel and lead, leading to addiction. It significantly affects brain development in individuals who start at a young age. Additionally, it increases the risk of heart diseases and depression.”
In his concluding remarks, Aydın stated, “I want to emphasize that turning to e-cigarettes to escape nicotine addiction is wrong and that e-cigarettes are also addictive. The harms of e-cigarettes must be communicated to society, and the public should be educated. As the Turkey Against Tobacco Association, we are ready to provide information and raise awareness for anyone determined to quit smoking.”
Source: www.iha.com.tr
Date: 29.10.2022