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Counterfeit e-juice may cause general discomfort, hoarseness of the throat and accumulation of phlegm in the lungs.
In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes has soared because thousands of smokers are now turning to alternatives that they consider “less harmful”. However, top retailers and experts warn that as the e-cigarette industry continues to develop, there is a surge in counterfeit products that may pose serious health risks.
Since April 2019, the UAE Standardization and Metrology Authority (Esma) has established strict regulations that the sale of e-cigarettes, e-cigarette devices and e-liquids is legal in the UAE.
Two years later, although medical staff strongly warned against using e-cigarettes, the market has shown signs of rapid expansion.
Please also read: UAE experts warn that e-cigarettes should never be sold to teenagers
“E-cigarettes have not existed long enough, and we cannot understand how it affects the body over time. However, it is well known that it can cause serious lung damage to people who use e-cigarettes, including some deaths,” Burjeel Specialist Hospital in Sharjah Said Dr. Abdal Karim Nasaar, a pulmonologist.
However, recent statistics show that in the next three years, 64 million people are expected to switch from traditional cigarettes to alternative nicotine delivery devices. By 2024, the global tobacco industry is expected to increase by US$53.4 billion.
Euromonitor estimates that by the end of 2021, the number of adults using e-cigarettes will reach nearly 55 million. In the UAE, retail stores such as My Vapery will open 14 stores nationwide within two years.
Authorized retailers such as MyVapery and Vape Man did not completely ban this popular product, but expressed their desire to cooperate with government entities to regulate trade.
Atif Amin, Marketing Manager of MyVapery, said: “As retailers, we must all attach greater importance to supporting Esma and the police in their efforts to prevent the random circulation of counterfeit and unregulated e-cigarette products that may pose a health threat.”
E-cigarette users must be wary of fakes, especially fake juices.
Hisham Al Shabib, CEO of Bahrain-based Sams Vape, explained: “The trend of selling counterfeit devices to users has faded. Manufacturing them has become cheaper and cheaper. In 2012-2013, e-cigarette products cost a lot. The cost will exceed $300. However, because they are now widely produced, everyone can afford these products.”
Al Shabib said that selling fake e-liquid or e-cigarette juice is the problem. “All e-liquids have secret recipes. If they become popular in the market, they will become the target of counterfeiters. They make them by guessing the taste.”
He said that the composition of e-liquid is usually 50% vegetable glycerin, 50% propylene glycol, fruit or dessert flavor, coolant and nicotine.
Many brands also sell nicotine-free e-juices. High-quality brands sell e-liquids at prices ranging from 50 to 55 dirhams.
Illegally manufactured clones of e-liquid can harm health. “When you smoke a fake e-cigarette, you can tell the difference. You end up with a hoarse throat, a lot of sputum in your lungs, and overall restlessness. E-cigarettes don’t mean that you feel that way,” Amin said.
Russian foreigner and e-cigarette enthusiast LM (hidden name on request) said: “I used to buy e-liquid in these e-liquid stores in Dragon City. They caused damage to my lungs, and I could barely breathe because of my The nose and throat are always uncomfortable. However, once I start smoking certified e-cigarettes, my health will improve.”
E-cigarette liquid must be produced in an ISO-certified laboratory.
“Each bottle of e-liquid has a serial number, and users can cross-check it on the manufacturer’s and retailer’s websites. Counterfeiters cannot copy these serial numbers,” explained Amin and Al Shabib.
Industry experts hope that the World Electronic Cigarette Show, scheduled to be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from September 19 to 21, will enable them to discuss and strengthen the precautions they have taken to check the authenticity and safety of all products entering the market .
Authorized retailers such as MyVapery and Vape Man did not completely ban this popular product, but expressed their desire to cooperate with government entities to regulate trade.
Jack Nixon, the event director of the World Vape Show, hopes that the Expo will help the industry to self-regulate and use e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to tobacco.
“This is the first time we have held this event in the UAE,” Nixon said. “The show will connect manufacturers, retailers and e-cigarette enthusiasts from all over the world. Although the event serves the business side, the event also aims to become an educational platform.”
Nixon said that a total of 250 exhibitors from all over the world confirmed their participation in the event. “The joint exhibition and conference will showcase new e-cigarette technologies and a series of regulated products that currently meet the demand for safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes.”
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
Danusha Gukulan
Dhanusha Gokulan is from India and has been working as a journalist for more than ten years. For Khaleej Times, she reports on NRI affairs, civil aviation and immigration issues. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, economics and English literature from Mangalore University in 2008, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in contemporary media leadership and innovation at the American University in Dubai. In her spare time, she gets involved in singing/song writing, loves food, and is the mother of an over-enthusiastic Labrador Retriever. On her Twitter @shootsprintrite.
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