WHILE acknowledging that there are still no laws that can regulate electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), and vaporizers (vapes), the Department of Health (DOH) hinted Wednesday at its plan to address its growing popularity among Filipinos.
In an interview, DOH Spokesman Dr. Eric Tayag said they are now closely looking into the harmful effects of e-cigs and vapes, which are comparable to smoking tobacco products.
“Nicotine and the other substances from e-cigs and vapes may also be harmful. This behavior of using this e-cigs and vapes will ultimately lead most people to smoking anyway,” said Tayag.
He said they believe that the marketing ploy being used by its manufacturers are different from what they really are.
“There's been a success around the world in curbing smoking. They are now looking for other avenues on how to generate business. And e-cigs and vapes ang isa sa mga avenues na nakita nila,” said Tayag.
To note, a vaporizer is device that can vaporize to the level of near incineration/combustion different substances, such as tobacco leaves.
On the other hand, the e-cigarette is made of plastic and metal device that heat a liquid nicotine solution (e-juice) in a disposable cartridge while creating a tiny light on the tip even glows like a real cigarette and produces a vapor that stimulates the act of smoking.
And as one of their first move against e-cigs and vapes, the health official disclosed that the DOH has decided to include them in the proposed Executive Order (EO) that will ban smoking in all public places.
"Kasama sa proposal ng DOH for the EO that will expand the smoking ban are e-cigs and similar devices, like the vapes. It will apply to both," said Tayag.
He said this is because the DOH believes that the adverse health effects of cigarettes are almost similar to that of e-cigs and vapes.
"There is now evidence that they are also threats to our health. And because of that, isasama sila sa ban," said Tayag.
To recall, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial has said that they are already expecting President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the proposed EO, which aims to give the Philippines a 100 percent smoke-free environment since smoking will be prohibited in all public places. (HDT/Sunnex)