'Mothers Against Vaping' on Friday announced that acclaimed actor-filmmaker and National Film Award winner Nandita Das has joined their cause to combat the rising menace of new-age tobacco devices, such as e-cigarettes and vapes, among Indian children and youth.
Nandita Das, known for her impactful films and social advocacy, joins a prestigious group of influencers including Baichung Bhutia, Deepa Malik, Dutee Chand, Neha Dhupia, Kushboo Sundar, and Kishwar Desai, who have been supporting this critical campaign. Her endorsement is expected to amplify the organisation's efforts, raising awareness and pushing for urgent measures to protect children and teenagers from the dangers of vaping.
Expressing her commitment, Nandita Das said, “The increasing prevalence of modern new-age tobacco devices among our children and youth should be of deep concern to all of us. As a mother of a teenager, I worry for all children and hope that they don't fall prey to such harmful addictions. The issue demands our immediate personal and collective attention. That's why I am wholeheartedly supporting 'Mothers Against Vaping' in their efforts to combat the promotion of devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes and heat-not-burn products.”
Das emphasised the importance of engaging with young people constructively. “Today's children are intelligent and exposed to a lot of information. They are also vocal and rational. So we need to explain to them logically the dangers of such devices that may look attractive or 'cool'. They can see reason if we engage with them constructively and compassionately. It is difficult to shun peer pressure at their age, so we must find ways to boost their confidence and equip them to make informed choices. Let us support them in making healthy decisions.”
Mothers Against Vaping also highlighted a new alarming risk associated with vaping. Recent research published in the journal, Tobacco Control, reveals that children and teenagers who use new-age tobacco devices like electronic cigarettes and vapes are at a heightened risk of uranium and lead exposure. The study found that uranium levels were twice as high among frequent vapers, particularly those who used sweet-flavoured e-liquids. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations and heightened awareness about the health risks posed by these devices.
The organisation cited the research to emphasise the potential harm to the developing brains of children and teens. The study examined urine samples from vapers and detected increased levels of uranium, cadmium, and lead, with sweet-flavoured vape users showing 90 per cent higher uranium levels. This exposure to toxic substances can severely impact cognitive development and overall health.
The mounting evidence against new-age tobacco devices shows that, unlike traditional cigarettes, these devices allow for extended usage sessions, increasing the risk of chemical poisoning due to the ultrafine particles and chemicals present in the e-liquids.
