New Delhi, July 5 : 'Mothers Against Vaping', a united front of concerned mothers combatting the promotion of New-Age Tobacco Devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs and similar devices among Indian children and youth, on Friday announced that Nandita Das, actor-filmmaker and National Film Award winner, would be supporting and endorsing their critical cause.

Nandita Das joins a distinguished group of influential role models including Baichung Bhutia, Deepa Malik, Dutee Chand, Neha Dhupia, Kushboo Sundar and Kishwar Desai who have been supporting Mothers Against Vaping in their campaign against the growing threat of vaping among children and youth.

Nandita's endorsement will be important in combating children and youth vaping. Her influence will amplify Mothers Against Vaping's efforts, highlighting the urgency of addressing this health crisis and implementing protective measures against the use of new-age tobacco devices.

On her joining the cause of Mothers Against Vaping, Nandita Das said, 'The increasing prevalence of modern new-age tobacco devices among our children and youth should be of deep concern to all of us. As a mother of a teenager, I worry for all children and hope that they don't fall prey to such harmful addictions. The issue demands our immediate personal and collective attention. That's why I am wholeheartedly supporting 'Mothers Against Vaping' in their efforts to combat the promotion of devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes and heat-not-burn products.'

'Today's children are intelligent and exposed to a lot of information. They are also vocal and rational. So we need to explain to them logically the dangers of such devices that may look attractive or 'cool'. They can see reason if we engage with them constructively and compassionately. It is difficult to shun peer pressure at their age, so we must find ways to boost their confidence and equip them to make informed choices. Let us support them in making healthy decisions,' Nandita added.

On the occasion of Nandita joining their mission, Mothers Against Vaping highlighted a new danger for children and teens who vape. These children now face heightened risks of exposure to uranium and lead. This kind of exposure to New-Age Tobacco Devices like Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping Devices and other Heat Not Burn Devices can harm the brain and affect its development in children and teens.

Citing a recent research published in the journal, Tobacco Control, Mothers Against Vaping highlighted the findings linking vaping to raised levels of uranium and lead exposure. The study examined urine samples from vapers to detect the presence of uranium, cadmium and lead.

The research also reported increased uranium levels found in vapers who used sweet-flavoured categories. The report found 90 per cent higher uranium levels among vapers who preferred sweet flavours such as fruit, chocolate or desserts.

There is mounting evidence that strongly suggests the detrimental impact of the use of new-age tobacco devices among both children and adults. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which are typically smoked in a few minutes, these devices allow for extended usage sessions. The ultrafine particles and chemicals found in the e-liquids of these devices pose risks of chemical poisoning to users.

/IANS