The doctor warned about the threat of electronic cigarettes to the body

Despite the success in reducing smoking, Russia is facing a new danger — the rapid increase in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, especially among teenagers. This was announced to Izvestia on May 31, on World No Tobacco Day, by Marina Gambaryan, head of the Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control at the National Research Medical Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Russian Ministry of Health.

"Scientific evidence, including systematic reviews and independent studies, clearly demonstrates: electronic nicotine delivery systems. — Ed.) are not a harmless alternative. Their aerosols contain toxic substances that damage the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems. In addition, they often become an entry point into the consumption of regular cigarettes," Gambaryan said.

However, despite this, over the past 15 years, Russia has achieved a significant reduction in the prevalence of smoking: the proportion of smokers among the adult population has almost halved. The country has become one of the leaders in the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) framework Convention, and the strategy adopted in 2021 until 2035 has consolidated the course towards reducing the tobacco epidemic.

According to the expert, among the proposed measures to curb the new wave of nicotine addiction are the introduction of unified packaging, raising the age of tobacco sales to 21, licensing trade and strict excise policy. She stressed that educational work with children, parents and teachers should play a key role in prevention.

"Reducing the smoking rate in the country is the result of sound government policy and the work of thousands of professionals. New challenges of anti-smoking policy, induced by the commercial interests of the tobacco industry, pose a real threat to its achievements. We have no right to lose what we have achieved — decisive, scientifically based and systematic actions are needed," the expert concluded.

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Doctors told us what is the danger of e-cigarettes for teenagers

Pulmonologist Vyacheslav Ovechkin told Izvestia on May 27 that the first days after quitting smoking are the most difficult, but qualified psychological help, support from loved ones and an active lifestyle will help overcome the barrier. According to the expert, there are no universal ways to quit smoking, it all depends on the person and his desire to give up the bad habit.