The Department of Health in a recent social media post warned the public against marketing strategies that falsely claim that vapes are safer than cigarettes, stressing that both are equally dangerous to one’s health.
“Vapes being safer than cigarettes is fake news. Based on studies, vape is one of the causes of some of the deadly illnesses affecting the lungs, such as the e-cigarette and vaping product-use associated lung injury,” Health Secretary Teodor Herbosa said.
He added that vaping also weakens the heart, while the chemicals it contains can cause cancer.
“It also poisons the lungs and heart of people who inhale second hand smoke, or individuals who are affected by the smoke if they do not vape,” he said. “We think it smells good? The smoke from vape is poison. That’s why we need to stop this vice.”
The health secretary also called on the public to protect the youth from engaging in vaping.
The World Health Organization has called for the protection of children from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, nothing that such products have been “aggressively marketed to young people” through the use of social media and influencers.
The WHO said that globally, children between the ages of 13 and 15 are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults.
Despite the warnings and efforts of the DOH and WHO, vaping and smoking remains an issue that continues to threaten the health of those who somehow pick up the habit, often making the decision armed with false information. The government and the private sector have to do more to protect the youth from starting this unhealthy vice, so everyone can enjoy the long term benefits of a healthier life.*
