Vape never approved as smoking cessation device in any country due to risk issues— DOH exec

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Domingo on Thursday said vape or electronic cigarette has never been approved as a smoking cessation device in any country.

Following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte banning vapes, some vape users opposed the ban and claimed vaping actually helped them to quit tobacco smoking.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Domingo pointed out that vape cannot replace tobacco because the device has its own risks too.

“Initially, minarket itong mga vape as a smoking cessation device. Kaya nga lang, wala pong bansang pumayag na gamitin siya at i-register siya as a cessation smoking vape,” he said.

“Hindi naman po natin pwedeng palitan ang paninigarilyo ng isang produkto na meron din naman pong sarili niyang risk profile,” he added.

Domingo underscored that e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) is already classified as a disease, not only by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but also the World Health Organization (WHO).

“May mga namatay na po,” he said.

Before Duterte ordered law enforcers to arrest vape smokers in public and announced ban on the use and importation of the device, the DOH reported the first case of lung injury in the country related to vaping.

The probable case will be regarded as confirmed if examination results show that viral or bacterial infection did not cause the lung injury. 

On Wednesday, the Philippine National Police started enforcing the vaping ban in public places. 

Duterte also warned judges about going against his order during his speech at the ceremony of Department of National Defense’s 80th anniversary celebration.  — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News