Anti-vape group sounds alarm on ‘vapedemic’ among the youth

AMID the growing number of youths using vaping products, the Parents Against Vape (PAV) is sounding the alarm over what it said was an emerging public health crisis among young people dubbed “vapedemic.”

In a statement, the PAV said it is troubled that an increasing number of young people, including minors, are using vape products.

“There is a significant rise in youth vaping, and there is now a public health crisis, a vapedemic, as it is now aptly called,” the PAV said.

It said that one in every seven teenagers, aged 13 to 15, are now using vape products.

“This despite the fact that under Republic Act 11900, only those 18 years old and above are supposed to have access to vapes,” said PAV.

“Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. It poses significant health risks, especially to the developing lungs and brains of our children,” the PAV lamented and called on lawmakers to amend the Vape Law or Republic Act 11900.

In particular, it said the age of accessibility must be raised from 18 to 21 years old.

PAV said the law must also limit the flavors to two – menthol and tobacco, similar to traditional cigarettes.

The PAV said regulatory powers over vapes must be given to the Food and Drug Administration instead of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act lapsed into law on July 25, 2022.