‘Energy stick’ a health risk
A toy called a “carrot knife” was popular among students in China, and has become a trend in Taiwan. Now, it is reported that “energy sticks” have also become popular in elementary schools in China. This new product is a nasal inhaler stick composed of mint and camphor.
Stores that sell these energy sticks claim that they cause no harm, but even so, it is inappropriate to put such sticks into noses. Such behavior might cause nose infections and damage the nasal mucosa and olfactory nerve.
Even though the energy sticks are not toxic as claimed by the manufacturers and vendors, students could become addicted to them after using them. Some students said that they cannot live without the product.
It should also be mentioned that not every child can inhale mint or camphor. If the energy sticks eventually damage the health of these children, it is too much of a price to pay. Worse, some people might exploit the energy stick and insert poison or drugs into it.
Through the Internet, the distance between Taiwan and China has been shortened. It is likely that the energy sticks will make their way into Taiwan’s schools soon. To protect Taiwanese children’s physical and mental health, precautions should be taken as soon as possible.
The government should pay more attention to this new toy. The energy stick might be more dangerous than the carrot knife, which would sooner or later become less popular.
However, the energy stick could lead to addiction. For elementary-school students, any kind of addiction would have severe consequences. Taiwan must prevent this from happening and nip it in the bud.
Hsu Chia-hsin
Taipei
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