Indian doctors highlight risks of vaping, urge government to act

In New Delhi, on July 8, 2025, health professionals sounded the alarm about the dangers of vaping, particularly for adolescents. According to them, these devices contribute to the deterioration of lung health, already undermined by pollution. A collective of doctors, supported by the organization Mothers Against Vaping, is leading a campaign to raise awareness of the harmful effects of vaping and is advocating for strict enforcement of its ban.[1].

Vaping poses proven health risks

Medical experts highlight common symptoms such as coughing, dry throat, shortness of breath, and headaches. But they especially warn of cardiovascular effects, such as increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and an increased risk of heart attack.

Dr. Harish Bhatia, Director of Pulmonology at MGS Super Speciality Hospital, points out that these devices, whether e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or heated tobacco products (HTPs), cause direct damage to the lungs.

Indeed, a study published in April 2025 by Johns Hopkins Medicine, which analyzed data from nearly 250,000 people over four years, established a link between the exclusive use of electronic cigarettes and chronic diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and hypertension.

Dr. KK Handa, head of the ENT department at Medanta Hospital, refutes the notion that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. He points out that the nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive, with potential mental health consequences such as anxiety and depression.

Additionally, some vaping devices pose risks of explosion or fire.

A particularly vulnerable youth

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for strong measures to protect children from the growing popularity of e-cigarettes. These products, easily accessible and heavily promoted to young people, promote early nicotine addiction.

The Mothers Against Vaping group warns that more and more children and adolescents are succumbing to the use of these products, exposing an entire generation to the effects of addiction. Dr. Rajesh Gupta, director of pulmonology at Fortis Hospital, explains that many young people start vaping in social settings, often under peer pressure, mistakenly believing it to be a harmless practice.

He points out that even occasional use exposes the lungs to irritating chemicals, with lasting consequences, particularly on brain development. Attention, memory, learning, and emotional regulation can be affected. In young people, the effects of nicotine can be long-lasting and permanently impair their physical and mental health.

Courses of action, integrating prevention, support and strengthening of the law

To address this trend, experts recommend taking action on several fronts. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Bhavna Barmi, parents should be trained to recognize the warning signs and approach the issue with compassion.

She also discusses the role of social media, where vaping is often promoted. In its 2024 survey, an NGO revealed that more than 300 sellers on Instagram and Telegram were openly promoting vaping devices, presented as " broadcasters " Or " well-being inhalers »[2]It is part of an approach to developing psycho-social skills so that young people develop a critical mind, including media education to better equip them against these influences.

The Mothers Against Vaping collective is calling on authorities to take steps to more strictly regulate the digital promotion of vaping devices and thus protect younger generations.

The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019 prohibits the manufacture, sale, importation, distribution, and advertising of e-cigarettes. Fines of up to 5 million rupees (approximately €50,000) and three years in prison for repeat offenses are punishable, and simple possession is punishable. However, enforcement remains limited, as despite significant seizures in 2024, online sales and promotion continue almost freely.

Thus, despite this national ban, the products remain widely available online and in underground markets. Recent investigations have identified hundreds of websites and social media pages illegally selling e-cigarettes.[3].

This low effectiveness makes the ban measure ineffective. Public health advocates argue that India must follow international best practices, including actively cracking down on digital sales and launching large-scale awareness campaigns to educate young people and families.

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[1]The Week, Doctors highlight health risks of vaping urge govt to take quick action, published July 8, 2025, accessed July 8, 2025

[2]Mohanty Deebashree, Inside the teenage vaping crisis: Lungs, hearts, and minds at risk, India Today, published July 7, 2025, accessed July 8, 2025

[3]The New Indian Express, Health experts raise alarms over rising vaping crisis among Indian youth, published July 8, 2025, accessed July 8, 2025

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