Dutee Chand Joins Mothers Against Vaping In Crusade Against New-Age Tobacco Devices

In a significant move to combat the rising threat of new-age tobacco devices among children and youth, national sprint champion and Olympian Dutee Chand has teamed up with Mothers Against Vaping, a collective of concerned mothers dedicated to addressing the proliferation of e-cigarettes and similar products in India.

The organisation in a press statement on Friday said ,Chand's endorsement adds her name to a distinguished roster of sports icons and influential role models supporting Mothers Against Vaping, including Baichung Bhutia, Deepa Malik, and Neha Dhupia. The collaboration underscores the urgent need to raise awareness and implement concrete measures to protect children from the harmful effects of vaping, the statement from the organisation read.

Expressing her commitment to the cause, Chand highlighted the importance of addressing the devastating impact of vaping on children's lives. She emphasised the necessity of speaking out against harmful trends that detract from children's ability to pursue their dreams and build their futures free from distractions like vaping.

Mothers Against Vaping stresses the health risks associated with vaping, including the emergence of lung injuries such as EVALI, and debunking the notion that vapors emitted from modern tobacco devices are harmless. Studies have linked vaping to severe lung injuries and health complications, prompting urgent awareness and prevention efforts.

The surge in addiction among children to new-age tobacco devices is attributed to aggressive tactics employed by multinational tobacco companies. These companies target vulnerable youth through social media advertising campaigns and enticing flavours, posing a significant risk of addiction and serving as gateway substances to more harmful substances.

Countries like India have taken proactive steps to address the issue, with vaping devices and e-cigarettes banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. Mothers Against Vaping continues to advocate for awareness and action, seeking support from influential figures, parents, educators, influencers, and policymakers to create an environment where new-age tobacco devices are excluded from society.