DOH backs proposal to ban disposable vapes in PH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it supports the proposal of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto to ban disposable vape products in the Philippines. 

In a statement, DOH said that all vape products in general result in significant health risks, including e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

“Disposable vapes are also made with plastic and batteries which are not easily recyclable or biodegradable. These items result in electronic waste (e-waste) that contains harmful chemicals that can seep into soil and water sources, posing risks to both the environment and public health,” the agency added. 

Recto on Tuesday proposed banning dispoable vapes in the country, saying that most of them are unregistered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and do not pay excise taxes. 

“We don’t know if it’s safe being unregulated. They do not pay taxes and are sold/appeal to minors,” the Finance chief said, adding that he has yet to formally inform the DTI about his proposal.

Disposable vapes, which are non-rechargeable devices that come pre-charged and pre-filled with liquid, are being sold at online marketplaces at over P120 to more than P430 per device. 

Recto said that if disposable vape makers fully comply with tax obligations, the selling price of their devices should not fall below P3,000 each. 

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier said he asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to make sure that underage individuals do not have access to vapes.

Herbosa also raised concern about the rising use of vape among the youth, stressing the health risks that nicotine poses to people, whether it is through tobacco or e-cigarette. —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News