PUBLISHED : 30 Nov 2024 at 04:00
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned that formaldehyde was found in samples of e-cigarette liquids sold illegally in Thailand and that the aerosol of the chemical can cause cancer.
DDC director-general Phanumat Yannawetsakun said the low awareness among young people about the health hazards of toxic chemicals in vape juices is a concerning issue.
He said e-liquids with enhanced flavour to attract young vapers usually contain toxins and harmful addictive substances, especially formaldehyde.
He said the risk of formaldehyde being absorbed into the respiratory system during the vaporisation is high and can cause cancer, while the aerosol can also cause eye and skin irritation.
The Royal College of Pediatricians Thailand and 13 other medical royal colleges on Wednesday declared their stance against any movement to make vape products legal in Thailand.
It was during an event to commemorate National Public Health Day on Nov 27.
Dr Suphitcha Saengchot, a representative of the Royal College, cited the case of an 11-year-old girl in Ubon Ratchathani who was found to have been severely suffering from a fatal lung injury and pneumonia.
After receiving intensive medical treatment and recovering enough to be able to talk, the girl admitted she had vaped for six months, saying it was easy for her to buy a vape, which came in various flavours, at shops near home.
A report by the Royal College showed that e-cigarette marketers are currently targeting youngsters, especially primary and secondary school children.
Nicotine from e-cigarettes can affect development in children by lowering brain efficiency by 3-4 times while indirectly stimulating the release of dopamine, causing addiction, depression, ADHD and suicidal thoughts.
According to a source, the Network of Children and Youths Saying No E-cigarettes is also advocating its campaign against the House of Representatives’ plan to vote on a proposal to legalise vapes on Dec 12.
The group aims to submit its petition to the House Speaker on Dec 8, along with the signatures of people who support its movement.
“We are fighting for better protection of future generations,” said the group, urging MPs to focus on the public benefit and not their parties that intend to legalise a product that poses a huge public health threat.