Talk of the town：How e-cigarettes affect our body?

[2021.10.06] 發表

【明報專訊】How harmful are e-cigarettes or heated tobacco(加熱煙) products to our health?

Most e-cigarettes contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances, which are carcinogenic(致癌的). Despite the harmful effects of them on our health, the proportion of Hong Kong young smokers of 25 years old or under who have used new tobacco products has surged to 85.9% in 2019-2020, according to a survey conducted by the University of Hong Kong Youth Quitline.

Some of those youngsters tried the new products out of curiosity, peer influence and intention to quit or reduce smoking. However, the World Health Organization says there is not enough evidence to support the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

In light of the severe situation, the government is trying to put forth a new policy, banning the whole course of dealing of e-cigarettes and other heated tobacco products. The Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan contended that the government had a plan to slowly move towards the goal of ''Smoke-free'' in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile some merchants have expressed their concerns over the policy, stating that the government has refused to ban cigarettes fully in Hong Kong but is now eager to fully ban e-cigarettes, and this constitutes ''double standards''.

After years of debate, LegCo members finally reached a consensus. A number of political parties seem to green-light the policy. There is now a chance for the draft amendment bill to be adopted in this legislative term.

■Game

Difficulty：★★ (Answers on next text)

There is something missing with the warning sign! Help the Smarties to fix it!

(See the picture)

■Grammar booster

Green-light

To give permission

e.g.The principal green-lighted the teaching arrangement proposed by the new teacher.

■Gear up

1. The policy is very unlikely to be passed in the Legislative Council.

(True/ False)

2. E-cigarettes are completely harmless to health.