DOH pushes for nationwide vape ban citing health risks and youth targeting

The Department of Health (DOH) is advocating for a complete nationwide ban on vape products due to significant health risks and deceptive marketing.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa lamented that some high school students were using and flaunting vapes, which are battery-operated devices that heat e-liquid products and generate aerosols.

He pointed out that vape companies target the youth in their advertising materials, warning that it could be difficult to quit using e-cigarettes once a person has become addicted to them.

The DOH highlighted that vape emissions and devices contain hazardous chemicals linked to severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and lung illnesses.

The Philippines has recorded its first death attributed to vape use within the last year.

The DOH is actively collaborating with international bodies under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to address the issue.