In the UAE, some cigarette smokers are turning to vaping as a means to quit smoking. However, medical professionals caution that the belief that vaping is less harmful and aids in quitting smoking is a misconception. The UAE enforces stringent anti-smoking laws, including bans on smoking around children and severe penalties for selling tobacco products to minors. Anastasia Armali, a smoker who transitioned to e-cigarettes two years ago, noted that vaping lacks the smell and occasional chest pain associated with traditional cigarettes. Similarly, UAE resident Ryan Naik and long-time Dubai resident Adnan Wahidi both switched to vaping with the intention of eventually quitting smoking altogether. Dr. Raiza Hameed, a pulmonology specialist, debunks the myth that vaping is safer, explaining that e-cigarettes release harmful chemicals that can lead to lung damage and potentially cancer. She also highlights other health risks associated with vaping and advises against using it as a smoking cessation method. Dr. Jamsheer Ambalath Kabeer adds that vaping can lead to serious lung illnesses and emphasizes the addictive nature of nicotine in vaping products. Lauren Huang, a general manager for a vaping product company, clarifies that vaping products are intended for adult smokers looking to quit and should not be used by non-smokers or minors.
Text: Lara Palmer
27.06.2024
Despite Beliefs, Vaping Not Proven Less Harmful; Strict Laws Against Smoking in UAE