MALDIVES PRESIDENT MUIZZU ORDERS BAN ON VAPE IMPORTS AND SALES

Tue 15 October 2024:

The Maldives has announced a ban on vaping and related products, according to an official statement.

The archipelago nation’s President Mohamed Muizzu directed his administration to take concrete steps to ban vaping, said the statement, released on Tuesday.

“President Dr. Muizzu stated that he has instructed the relevant authorities to initiate the necessary actions to prohibit the import of vaporizer devices, accessories, and parts starting from Nov. 15, 2024,” said the statement from Muizzu’s office.

Additionally, starting from Dec. 15, the ban will include the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and free distribution of “vaporizer devices” throughout the country.

Following the president’s order, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said amendments to existing laws would be forwarded to parliament this week.

“The necessary amendments to the laws to implement the president’s decision will be sent to parliament this week. The Tobacco Control Act and the Export Import Act will be amended,” Usham said on X in the local language.

The government’s decision followed requests from parents and health service providers to ban electronic smoking devices in the country, according to local media.

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Health risk

Vaping poses significant health risks, especially as its popularity grows, particularly among younger populations. While initially marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, research has shown that vaping is far from harmless. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful to developing brains, particularly in teenagers and young adults. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impact cognitive functions and increase the risk of developing addiction to other substances.

One of the primary health concerns associated with vaping is respiratory damage. The aerosol produced by vapes contains harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, all of which can irritate and damage lung tissue. Cases of “vaping-related lung injury,” officially known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury), have been reported, with symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, and even life-threatening respiratory failure. Some cases have been linked to vaping products that contain THC or vitamin E acetate.

Long-term vaping may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine in e-cigarettes can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and lead to vascular problems. In addition, there is growing evidence that e-cigarettes may not effectively help people quit smoking but can instead serve as a gateway to tobacco use for non-smokers, particularly young people.

While more research is needed to understand the full scope of vaping’s long-term effects, current evidence suggests significant health risks, particularly for lung health, heart function, and addiction.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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