Ban e-cigarettes and vaping now!

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I strongly believe that there should be a ban on all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in Jamaica. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices which heat a liquid into a vapour that can be inhaled. There are many cases of lung illnesses among people who have used e-cigarettes and vaping products, and there has also been an increase in the use of vapes among teenagers.

E-cigarettes and vapes are not safe for use and will cause lung damage and lung diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death.

Our youths should not expose themselves to nicotine or smoking at such a tender age. Smoking causes the death of brain cells and other grave damages, which are considered as psychological diseases. These diseases can cause the body to malfunction in many ways, which can cause other adverse effects.

Nicotine is highly addictive and can affect the brain development in teenagers and make it harder for them to learn and concentrate.

I implore the Government to take proactive steps in taking this matter into consideration and enact laws that will prohibit the buying, selling and the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.

Companies that are importing the e-cigarettes and vapes and are selling them to teenagers should be fined, or a seizure of the company’s products and assets should be carried out.

BRITANYA BONNER

Tarrant High School s tudent

bonnerbritanya15@gmail.com