EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury)

News: According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a US federal agency, the number of deaths due to EVALI, in the USA, rose to 55.

Facts:

About EVALI

• An acronym for e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury.
• The term was coined by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019.
• Symptoms: common with other respiratory illnesses, including coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, extreme fever or fatigue.

About E-cigarettes:

• E-cigarettes are the most common form of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). These are battery-operated devices that heat a substance which may contain nicotine and other chemicals, to create vapour for inhalation.
• Other examples: Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookah and e-cigars and other similar devices.

Additional Information:

Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019

Key Provisions:

• Production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale, distribution or advertisement of e-cigarettes is a cognizable offence.
• Sub-inspector of police as the authorised officer is responsible for the implementation of provisions of the Act.