As young people flock to e-cigarettes, shisha and heated tobacco products (HTPs), the Ministry of Health is sounding the alarm over the severe health risks these products pose, especially to adolescents. 

Despite being marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking, these trendy products are far from harmless and can lead to lifelong health issues and addiction.

The ministry has reiterated that these products have all been banned due to their dangerous impact on health.

“They increase susceptibility to addiction and pose significant risks to both physical and mental well-being,” the ministry warned. 

E-cigarettes, which have become incredibly popular among teenagers, often come in colourful designs and fruity flavours that appeal to a younger audience. 

However, the vapour they emit contains harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and carcinogens. 

“E-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to smoking. The chemicals they release can severely damage the lungs and increase the risk of cancer,” the ministry explained. “Nicotine, in particular, is highly addictive and poses a serious threat to brain development in adolescents.”

Shisha products, commonly associated with social gatherings, are also a cause for concern. 

Although many people mistakenly believe that smoking shisha is safer because it is filtered through water, research shows that it still contains high levels of toxins and carcinogens. 

Studies have linked shisha smoking to a wide range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory issues. 

“The myths surrounding the safety of shisha can be dangerously misleading, especially for young people who are most vulnerable to addiction,” the ministry emphasised.

Police seized 19 sets of e-cigarettes, 215 sets of vaping paraphernalia and 1,417 bottles of vapour liquid – or “vape juice” – during raids in 2022. National Police

HTPs are marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. 

These devices heat tobacco instead of burning it, which supposedly reduces the levels of harmful chemicals. 

However, they still contain nicotine and can have similar adverse effects on health. 

“HTPs may seem less harmful at first glance, but they still expose users to nicotine addiction, respiratory problems and a risk of long-term health issues,” the ministry's statement warned.

One of the most alarming aspects of these products is how they are marketed, particularly on social media. 

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook are rife with influencers promoting e-cigarettes and vaping products, often under the guise of helping users quit smoking or providing a “less dangerous” alternative. 

However, as the ministry pointed out, “This propaganda is not only misleading but also dangerous. E-cigarettes and vaping products are not a tool for quitting smoking – they introduce new health risks that can harm users more than help them.”

The ministry urged young people to stay away from these products entirely. 

“No matter how appealing these products may seem, trying them – even just once – can set off a chain of addiction and health problems that can last a lifetime,” according to the ministry.

It also warned that the normalisation of these devices in social circles could lead to broader societal harm. 

“Addiction to these products can cause mood swings, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances. In the long run, this addiction often leads to a susceptibility to other substances,” said the ministry.

As young people continue to experiment with these products, it is essential to provide education about their hidden dangers. 

“We urge all citizens, especially young people, not to be swayed by the allure of these so-called ‘safe’ products. The health risks are real, and the consequences can be irreversible,” said the ministry. 

Currently, 88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products, according to World Health Organization (WHO).  

The WHO said e-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, with at least 16,000 attractive flavours. 

Sao Chantha, principal of Chea Sim Prek Anchanh High School in Kandal province's Mok Kampoul district, highlighted that information about the harmful effects of HTPs on health has already been promoted on junior and high school campuses.

He mentioned that his school follows the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport's guidance by regularly educating students about the dangers of vaping and enforcing rules that prevent students from leaving the campus during study hours.

“Our school does not have students who use [electronic] or traditional cigarettes. While I cannot speak for other schools, I believe they also emphasise monitoring and educating students. So far, we haven’t observed any of our students using either,” he stated.