In an interview with MAP, Dr. El Bouzidi explained that some voices argue that the electronic cigarette is an alternative to ordinary cigarettes and a means of helping to quit smoking, knowing that these allegations are constantly refuted by many institutions. scientists, noting that the French High Authority for Health (HAS) has called for people to avoid electronic cigarettes.
According to the specialist, there are currently no confirmed studies showing the real harm caused by using electronic cigarettes. However, he explained, the conclusions of numerous scientific researches confirm that the chemicals and flavorings contained in these cigarettes pose a real danger to the health of the smoker when used repeatedly (heated and inhaled).
“The promotion of electronic cigarettes as a safer alternative to regular cigarettes is part of the communication strategies adopted by tobacco companies and manufacturers following having been widely and openly criticized by scientists, in particular following having have been forced to write the expression + smoking kills + in a legible and visible way on cigarette packets”, he added, noting that manufacturers seek to circumvent this obligation by betting on other alternatives which are not, in fact, no less dangerous than regular cigarettes.
He also pointed out that global e-cigarette companies are directing their campaigns towards teenagers in particular, promoting their innovative forms and the multiple flavors they contain, in order to entice them to buy and consume them with their peers.
“Numerous studies have shown that daily use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents is often followed by consumption of regular cigarettes and addiction to nicotine,” Dr. El Bouzidi warned.
The pulmonologist also called on Moroccan youth not to smoke either ordinary cigarettes or electronic cigarettes, given their dangers and their harmful effects on health, especially with age.
“We have observed in the past that diseases caused by smoking, especially pulmonary embolism, chronic conditions, air bubbles in the lungs and cancer appear following the age of 40,” he said. he said, pointing out that now they appear before the age of 30 due to the increase in the number of young smokers who take up cigarettes from a young age.
In addition to smoking, he also warned once morest the use of drugs in all their forms, as well as the water pipe (hookah), which is also experiencing a strong increase in demand despite the fact that it is more dangerous with its many health hazards.
Dr. El Bouzidi concluded by pleading for the organization of a vast awareness campaign, with the participation of various actors, in particular the public authorities, scientific institutions and the media, in order to better raise the awareness of adolescents, young people and young people. other categories of society to the dangers of smoking in general and electronic cigarettes in particular.
