UAE Health Ministry Cautions Against False ‘Safer’ Claims of E-Cigarettes

UAE: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has issued a stern warning against promoting electronic smoking products as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. In a statement released to mark World No-Tobacco Day on May 31, the ministry emphasized that there is no scientific evidence to support claims of e-cigarettes being safer.

Health Risks of Nicotine Products

The ministry urged smokers to quit, citing serious health risks associated with tobacco use, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted concerns about the tobacco industry positioning nicotine products as “safer” than cigarettes.

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“While long-term health effects are not fully understood, it has been established that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and some that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders,” the WHO report stated.

‘Harm Reduction’ Claims Questioned

Companies often promote the idea of “harm reduction” to encourage consumers to try e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. However, the WHO noted that there is “insufficient evidence that these newer products are effective in helping smokers quit” and “growing evidence” that they come with their own risks.

Dr. Humberto Choi, a pulmonologist from the Cleveland Clinic, echoed these concerns, stating, “All forms of nicotine use have health risks, from vaping liquid nicotine and chewing tobacco to smoking cigarettes and shisha – even occasionally or without inhaling.”

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In the UAE, smoking e-cigarettes is prohibited inside offices and closed spaces across the country. However, some smokers are still seen vaping indoors, assuming the laws don’t apply to e-cigarettes. The Ministry of Health and Prevention’s statement serves as a reminder that vaping is subject to the same regulations as traditional smoking and carries significant health risks.

Call for Caution and Awareness

As the debate around the safety of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products continues, health authorities in the UAE are urging caution and raising awareness about the potential dangers. The ministry’s statement underscores the need for evidence-based research and a comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of these products on public health.