SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) are “closely monitoring” the use of “energy stick” inhalers in Singapore amid concerns that young people may get hooked on them.
Speaking in parliament on Monday (Mar 4), Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary noted that young people are being targeted on social media by the marketing of such products, which come in various flavours.
“We will continue to evaluate these products to ensure that they are not adulterated with harmful ingredients such as nicotine as they evolve, and we will take the necessary actions to protect public health,” he added.
“Energy sticks” are inhalers that claim to give users an energy boost. They contain ingredients similar to a conventional nasal decongestant inhaler.
Dr Janil was responding to questions from Members of Parliament Yip Hon Weng and Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim who asked about whether the ministry has studied the effects of such inhalers, their use among young people and whether there is a need to treat the products like vaporiser and e-cigarettes.
CNA reported last month that in Malaysia, there is growing concern among health experts in Malaysia who worry that, like vaping, the sticks could become a gateway to drug abuse.
A trend of children using energy sticks has also been reported in China.
CNA’s search for energy sticks on Singapore e-commerce sites Shopee and Lazada revealed several listings, starting from as low as about S$1.60 (US$1.20). Common brands were Skyvii, Nicor, Causone and PEK.
Flavours included mint, various fruits and the energy drink Red Bull. The listings claimed that the energy sticks contained “essential oils”, “natural ingredients” and “safe, plant-based extracts”.
They also advertised that the inhalers could be used to counter sleepiness when attending a class, studying, driving or working overtime.
