E-cigarette consumption has been observed to be rampant by up to 22% of people polled across India, with 52% of them saying that the consumption being spotted near corporate office, as per a study by LocalCircles.
Up to 39% of the respondents stated that e-cigarette usage was observed at restaurants, clubs and private parties. While 34% of respondents noticed the same on the streets.
The survey was conducted with over 30,000 respondents who were asked how often saw usage of e-cigarettes and in which common areas was the usage being undertaken, within the last 12 months.
India has implemented an extensive ban on e-cigarettes and related products under Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019. This was based on the findings of the Indian Council of Medical Research, which detected prominent risks posed to the health of the user, such as cardiovascular and respiratory harm, as well as the potential to spurr nicotine addiction in younger users.
According to Union Health Ministry data, there were 350 violations of the e-cigarette ban since 2022. LocalCircles cited experts who claimed that the actual numbers were notably higher.
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The study also mentioned advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Vaping who cautioned against e-cigarettes due to flavoured cartridges, "aggressive" online marketing and sleek designs attracting the younger users.
Around 19% of respondents noted that e-cigarette consumption was observed near schools and colleges.
"What is most worrying is that 19% of respondents state that they saw e-cigarettes being consumed near schools & colleges, which is a very vulnerable group of people who often get trapped into bad habits that can adversely affect their health," the study remarked.
The study also stated that Indian authorities needed to focus their efforts on bridging the gap between policy and enforcement.
"With global markets grappling with youth vaping epidemics, Indian authorities argue that their preventive approach is justified—but without stronger enforcement and awareness, the risk of a hidden surge remains significant," it said.
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