What should be done to stop the use of e-cigarettes?

There are an increasing number of e-cigarettes on sale today, which have become a fad among young people. Laughing gas is also popular and, when inhaled, produces a feeling of euphoria. But repeated use can be harmful and have disastrous effects on the nervous system. Amid authorities’ attempts to prevent the sale and use of e-cigarettes, Vientiane Times asked for opinions on how the use of these products should be controlled.

Mr Bounme, a resident of Luang Namtha province: I’ve seen people put posts and shares on Facebook about the sale of e-cigarettes, even though it is illegal and the authorities have tried to clamp down on their use. But they are easy to sell and buy and are especially popular with young people. In my opinion, this issue should be addressed at the root instead of at the end of the process. By this I mean that businesses should not sell e-cigarettes or any nicotine-based drug and none of these products should be imported. If we can control the import of nicotine-based drugs, there would be fewer addicts. And the authorities should stop online sales too. By attacking the root cause, we can solve the problem of drug addiction. We also need more rehabilitation centres where people can recover from addiction.
 
Ms Daly Phengphachan, a resident of Vientiane:
By taking a stand against these products, it will prevent young people and others who are unaware of the risks they pose from doing something they don’t know much about. Parents should be educated about the dangers involved so they can warn their children about the consequences and health risks. If children are guided by their parents from a young age, it will greatly decrease the use of e-cigarettes and laughing gas. There should also be laws that limit their use or prohibit it. And the law should be enforced. Educating the public and enforcing laws, I believe, will greatly decrease the use of e-cigarettes and laughing gas.
 
Ms Touy, a resident of Luang Prabang province: I have read that e-cigarettes can make people feel relaxed and feel better. But if we smoke too much it can damage our health because nicotine is addictive, although relatively harmless. This type of cigarette is also quite expensive and if we smoke more than is advisable, we might not be able to avoid addiction. In the end, it’s up to the user to control their intake and if people use them appropriately, e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking altogether because they reduce the craving for nicotine.

Ms Keota Thammavong, a government official in Xekong province:
I think it’s best not to use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products around young people. Not only are they likely to copy the behaviour of others, they’re also at risk of exposure to nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to their health. But e-cigarettes are an important step in protecting children from exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke. Parents and other adults can do their part to reduce young people’s exposure to all types of cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is becoming more common because they do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke, and are less damaging to one’s health.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update October 21, 2022)