HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin has warned the public against the use of vapes, saying that its long-term use can lead to death.
Garin, a former Health secretary, issued the warning following the Department of Health’s (DOH) report about the first vape-related death of a 22-year old male.
According to the DOH, the victim died of heart attack following a severe lung injury. He has been allegedly using vape daily for two years.
“This should serve as an eye opener to the public, especially to the youth—using vapes has its harmful effects and can be deadly, said Garin, herself a doctor.
“It is alarming. We have seen reports that children aged 13 years old are already using e-cigarettes and vapes,” the lawmaker added.
Garin pointed out that vaping is not an alternative to smoking cigarettes and such is not safer to use, adding that vape-users may have a medical condition called e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury or EVALI.
EVALI is a serious medical condition in which a person’s lungs become damaged from substances contained in e-cigarettes and vaping products, according to Yale Medicine.
Meanwhile, Global Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that approximately one out seven youth, with age range 13 to 15, are already using vape.
“Our youth are being lured to nicotine addiction, especially with the different flavors of the said electronic device and some of them are unaware of its contents,” Garin stressed.
