To help prevent the public, particularly the youth, from using vape and heated tobacco products (HTPs), the Department of Health (DOH) called for the strict implementation of Republic Act 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, including the removal of vape flavors from the market.
The DOH made the appeal during a hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, as lawmakers continue deliberations on proposals seeking a total ban on vape and HTPs in the country.
DOH Health Promotion Bureau head Dr. Dominic Maddumba said the wide variety of vape flavors available in the market is one of the main factors enticing Filipino youth to try and use vape products.
For this reason, the agency reiterated its position that only tobacco-flavored vape products should be allowed to discourage young people from using them.
During the hearing, DOH Director Tina Marasigan explained that vape and HTPs contain various harmful chemicals, including nicotine, humectants or solvents, carbonyl compounds, free radicals and reactive oxygen species, Vitamin E acetate, and metals.
She said exposure to these substances poses serious health risks, including upper respiratory infections, asthma, popcorn lung, and cancer.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jubert Benedicto, officer in charge and executive director of the Lung Center of the Philippines, cited a World Health Organization (WHO) study showing that young people who use vape products are three times more likely to smoke cigarettes.
Several ASEAN countries have already banned vape products, including Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.