Thai people are warned about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes and are being advised not to fall prey to false advertising claiming that they are safe.

Dr. Kajohnsak Kaewjarus, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, issued the warning after Ramathibodi Hospital recently released a report on serious lung infections, known as E-cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), being caused by thesmoking of electronic cigarettes.

Symptoms of EVALI include a cough, shortness of breath or chest pain. Additionally, gastrointestinal symptoms may develop, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pains and diarrhoea, as well as nonspecific constitutional symptoms like a fever, chills or weight loss.

Dr. Kachornsak said that there are many brands of electronic cigarettes available in Thailand, with some brands not specifying the substances used in them. Most of them over-advertise by claiming that their products are not harmful to health, leading to misunderstanding, he claims.

He recommended anyone who develops any of thesesymptoms after using electronic cigarettes to see a doctor immediately.

He also urged hospitals to report EVALI cases to the Disease Control Department.