DOH backs proposal to ban disposable vapes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday expressed support for a proposal to prohibit disposable vapes, citing health and environmental concerns. 

“The DOH supports the proposal of the secretary of finance to ban disposable vapes in particular, and vapor products in general due to their harmful effects on our health and the environment,” the agency said. 

According to the DOH, disposable vapes and vapor products pose health risks including e-cigarette or vapor product associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

Made with plastic and batteries, disposable vapes become electronic waste containing harmful chemicals that can seep into soil and water sources.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday raised the possibility of banning the sale of disposable vapes, noting they are mostly unregistered products. 

The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which lapsed into law in July 2022, allows individuals as young as 18 years old to purchase vaping products, raising concerns about increased accessibility for young people.

The law also loosened the existing flavor restrictions and transferred regulatory authority to the Department of Trade and Industry from the Food and Drug Administration.

Vaping has gained popularity among teenagers and young adults in the Philippines. A 2019 survey revealed that 14%, or one in every seven Filipino youth aged 13 to 15, were already using e-cigarettes. — Gaea Katreena Cabico