Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services plans to amend the Tobacco Act to include rules on nicotine products used for vaping.
This legislative move aims to curb the growing use of electronic cigarettes and water pipes (hookahs) across the country. The amendment will also facilitate the development of a comprehensive tobacco strategic plan scheduled for launch later this month.
Deputy Minister Dr. Ester Muinjangue stressed the urgency of regulating vaping products, despite existing legal frameworks to combat tobacco use in Namibia.
“There is no safe form of tobacco smoke,” Muinjangue said while emphasising the necessity of these regulations.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use worldwide remains one of the leading public health threats, accounting for approximately eight million deaths annually.
The introduction of new regulations is expected to address the mushrooming issue of alternative nicotine delivery systems such as vaping devices and hookah pipes.
Health experts strongly dispute the perception that vaping and hookah smoking are safer alternatives to traditional cigarette smoking. Both methods pose significant health risks.
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, according to a study by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Vaping has been associated with respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and potential toxicity from the chemicals used in e-liquids.
Moreover, e-cigarettes can deliver high levels of nicotine, leading to addiction and other health complications such as anxiety and depression, particularly among young users.
Hookah, or water pipe smoking, involves inhaling tobacco smoke that has passed through water. Contrary to popular belief, the water does not filter out harmful chemicals.
Hookah smoke contains numerous toxic substances, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens.
The American Lung Association reports that a typical hookah session can expose users to more smoke over a longer period compared to a single cigarette, increasing the risk of cancer, lung diseases, and cardiovascular problems.
Additionally, the charcoal used to heat the tobacco can produce dangerous chemicals such as carbon monoxide and heavy metals.
Both vaping and hookah smoking pose serious health risks, including addiction, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
Public health initiatives and regulations like those proposed by the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services are crucial in mitigating these risks and promoting a healthier, tobacco-free society.
Muinjangue encouraged individuals seeking to quit smoking to utilise available support resources for a tobacco-free life and urged people to seek professional support and to use resources provided by health professionals.
