Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Jun 16: The state government, through an order, has placed blanket ban on sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine cartridges all over the state with immediate effect. This was announced by health and family welfare minister, U T Khader, at a press conference organized at Vikasa Soudha on Wednesday June 15.
Khader said that sale of e-cigarettes including online sales, production, distribution, trading, import, and giving advertisement have been banned. At present, this ban is in force in Haryana and Punjab states, he explained.
"As per the current norms, there is no provision for use of e-cigarettes in the state. However,without getting licence from competent authority, illegally it is being sold even through internet. Health department has noticed that people are using it. Therefore a decision to ban it has been taken," the minister explained.
Khader said that the department has been keeping an eye on websites involved with sale of e-cigarettes with the help of cyber crime cell. If they continue this activity, concerned websites will be closed and legal steps will be taken, he added.
E-cigarettes are made from plastic and metal. Cartidges prepared by mixing chemicals like propylene glycol with banned nicotine are fitted into e-cigarettes. Electric chargers provided therein provide the heat to create smoke that is inhaled. Nicotine is poisonous for humans, and it might also give rise to diseases of the heart and lungs. This habit can turn into addiction.
Violators of the ban will face criminal case and if the violation is proved, the concerned can be jailed for a period up to five years.