Health Risks of Vapes and Tobacco: Expert Warning from PGIMER on Nicotine Dangers
Dr. Sonu Goel, Director of the Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC) at PGIMER, Chandigarh, has warned about the serious health dangers associated with vaping and tobacco use. Due to the high nicotine levels in vapes, their use can cause severe health problems, including heart and lung diseases.
Hookah Use Equals Smoking 30-40 Cigarettes in One Puff
Experts at PGIMER highlight that a single puff of hookah smoke is equivalent to inhaling the smoke from 30-40 cigarettes at once. Despite the ban on hookah in commercial places in the tricity area, many bars and clubs continue to serve hookah and other tobacco products illegally.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Exposing Tobacco Industry Tactics
On the occasion of the 37th World No Tobacco Day, Dr. Goel emphasized this year’s theme: “Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products.” He explained that tobacco’s harmful effects appear rapidly, with increased heart rate visible within 20 minutes of use.
Tobacco’s Severe Impact on Health
Dr. Goel pointed out that tobacco use is responsible for:
- 70% of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cases,
- 80% of oral cancer cases,
- Approximately 50% of cardiopulmonary diseases,
- Tobacco users are four times more likely to suffer from severe tuberculosis than non-users.
Lack of Hazard Warnings on Many Tobacco Products
Despite these health risks, many tobacco companies fail to include health warnings on products other than cigarettes. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, about 28.6% of Indians use tobacco, with 11% prevalence in Chandigarh. Tobacco causes 1.3 million preventable deaths annually in India.
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs): A Growing Concern
Dr. Goel highlighted that under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), tobacco products must carry health warnings. However, heated tobacco products (HTPs) often lack these warnings because manufacturers claim COTPA only applies to cigarettes. HTPs are consumed by heating instead of burning but still pose significant health risks.
Slim Cigarettes and Vapes: Just as Harmful
Despite being marketed as less dangerous, slim cigarettes contain the same amount of tobacco as regular cigarettes. Their attractive packaging, flavors, and colors give a false impression of safety. Filters only reduce tar slightly but do not eliminate harmful chemicals.
Similarly, e-cigarettes (vapes), which contain nicotine and tobacco, are often marketed as tools to help quit smoking. However, due to their high nicotine content, they also cause serious health problems, including cardiac and respiratory issues.
Illegal Sale of Vapes Despite Ban
Although the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 bans e-cigarettes, poor enforcement means vapes are still widely available in the market, posing ongoing health risks to users.
Conclusion
Dr. Sonu Goel urges stricter enforcement of tobacco regulations and increased public awareness to combat the growing use of harmful tobacco and nicotine products. Understanding the risks associated with these products is vital to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related diseases in India.
