DOH warns of harmful effects of cadmium found in vape

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday warned the public about the harmful health effects of cadmium, a toxic metal found in vape aerosols.

Cadmium can damage the kidneys and bones, while prolonged exposure may increase the risk of cancer, the DOH said in Mao dela Cruz’s Super Radyo dzBB report.

.@DOHgovph, nagbabala laban sa masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng cadmium, na natatagpuan sa aerosol ng vape. | via Mao Dela Cruz https://t.co/q15027pz56

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) October 18, 2026

Aside from cadmium, vape aerosols may contain other harmful chemicals, including benzene, diacetyl, and acrolein.

The DOH urged the public, particularly the youth, to avoid vaping due to its harmful components.

It also backed calls to implement higher taxes on vapes to help make potentially harmful products less affordable and accessible.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (PHILTRA) said health advocates urged the government to consider higher excise taxes on vape products.

E-liquids are currently taxed differently depending on whether they contain salt nicotine or freebase nicotine.

Meanwhile, the Department of Finance is proposing a unified excise tax of P72.93 per 2 milliliters or 2 grams on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, on top of a P150 excise tax per device. —RF, GMA News