Public Health Challenges of Electronic Cigarettes in South Korea.
10.3961/jpmph.2011.44.6.235
- Author:
Sungkyu LEE
1
;
Heejin KIMM
;
Ji Eun YUN
;
Sun Ha JEE
Author Information
1. Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
- Publication Type:Review ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Electronic cigarettes;
Electronic nicotine delivery systems;
Tobacco
- MeSH:
Adult;
*Electronics;
Female;
*Government Regulation;
Health Promotion;
Humans;
Male;
Middle Aged;
*Nicotine;
Prevalence;
*Public Health Practice;
Republic of Korea/epidemiology;
Safety;
Smoking/epidemiology/legislation & jurisprudence/*prevention & control;
Smoking Cessation/*legislation & jurisprudence;
Young Adult
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
2011;44(6):235-241
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarrettes) were recently introduced and advertised as a smoking cession device in South Korea. As the social norm to quit smoking has gained hold in the country, the number of e-cigarette users is growing rapidly. This phenomenon should be urgently considered, because of the lack of research that has been conducted to examine the safety of e-cigarettes and its efficacy as a smoking cessation aid. This paper raises several public health concerns on e-cigarettes in South Korea. Uncertain regulations of the government on e-cigarettes are contributing to an increase of e-cigarette users and allowing the e-cigarette industry to circumvent existing regulations. The aggressive marketing activity of this industry is also a core factor that is responsible for the rapid increase of e-cigarette use, in particular among the youth. Following the enforcement of tobacco control, some cigarette smokers may be encouraged to purchase e-cigarettes in order to circumvent the regulations, even though the dual use of e-cigarette and cigarette may be more harmful. Until there is clear evidence of the e-cigarette's safety, it is recommended that the industry's marketing and promotional activities be banned and closely monitored, and public campaigns be initiated to educate the public regarding e-cigarettes.
