The South African Muslim Network notes with concern recent SAMRC research on the growing impact of e-cigarettes and hookah on our youth — especially the messaging that they are somehow less harmful.
We call on government, politicians, civil society and the public to push for greater control and monitoring of these and similar products.
South Africa led the world on tobacco advertising legislation in the 1990s, despite a substantial lobby. We need to stay vigilant and be proactive. The health and carcinogenic impacts will not be felt this year, or even this decade, but for decades to come.
What the SAMRC Study Found
The study looked at e-cigarette and hookah advertising aimed at university students.
- 26.3% of students currently use e-cigarettes — 28.7% of men, 24.1% of women.
- 12.5% use them every day — 15.4% of men, 9.8% of women.
- 76.4% reported some exposure to e-cigarette advertising and marketing, rising to 88.2% among those who use them.
- 58.7% noticed advertising in the shops selling them.
- Hookah promotions noticed by students included discounted prices (26.7%), free samples (24.8%), free gifts (19.8%), coupons (19.0%) and hookah smoking competitions (18.9%).
What the Researchers Recommend
The study urges government to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022, which seeks to strengthen tobacco control and regulate e-cigarettes, so that young people are not targeted by the manufacturers and marketers of these products.
The ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship should be enforced for hookah products and urgently extended to cover e-cigarettes.
Dr Catherine Egbe, SAMRC
The researchers also call for clearer graphic health warnings and plain packaging on hookah, e-cigarette and cigarette products, to communicate the risks and deter students from starting.
Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of promoting a healthier South Africa, calling for stronger controls, and fighting addictions including nicotine, tobacco, alcohol and gambling.
Contact SAMNET
info@samnet.co.za
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www.samnet.co.za