Public health challenges of electronic cigarettes in South Korea

J Prev Med Public Health. 2011 Nov;44(6):235-41. doi: 10.3961/jpmph.2011.44.6.235.

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarrettes) were recently introduced and advertised as a smoking cession device in South Korea. As the social norm to quit smoking has gained hold in the country, the number of e-cigarette users is growing rapidly. This phenomenon should be urgently considered, because of the lack of research that has been conducted to examine the safety of e-cigarettes and its efficacy as a smoking cessation aid. This paper raises several public health concerns on e-cigarettes in South Korea. Uncertain regulations of the government on e-cigarettes are contributing to an increase of e-cigarette users and allowing the e-cigarette industry to circumvent existing regulations. The aggressive marketing activity of this industry is also a core factor that is responsible for the rapid increase of e-cigarette use, in particular among the youth. Following the enforcement of tobacco control, some cigarette smokers may be encouraged to purchase e-cigarettes in order to circumvent the regulations, even though the dual use of e-cigarette and cigarette may be more harmful. Until there is clear evidence of the e-cigarette's safety, it is recommended that the industry's marketing and promotional activities be banned and closely monitored, and public campaigns be initiated to educate the public regarding e-cigarettes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electronics*
  • Female
  • Government Regulation*
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nicotine*
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health Practice*
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Safety
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking Cessation / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Nicotine