The Department of Health (DOH) has called for a nationwide total ban on vape products as it criticized advertisements portraying vaping as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.
In a news release on Saturday, the DOH warned that vape use poses serious health risks, saying both the vapor and the devices contain harmful chemicals that can cause cardiovascular disease, cancer, and lung illnesses.
“It is often marketed that vape is nicotine-free and can be an alternative to cigarettes, but the smoke and the device itself are full of chemicals and are harmful,” the DOH said.
The agency also raised concerns over the variety of flavors and colorful packaging, which it said easily attract minors.
Citing the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, the DOH said seven out of 10 Filipino youths ages 13 to 15 use vape products.
The Philippines recently recorded its first death linked to two years of vape use.
The DOH said the government is increasing its engagement with the international community through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, while the DOH Health Promotion Bureau continues efforts to raise awareness in communities, schools, and workplaces about the dangers of vaping and smoking.
