Young people in the Philippines are buying and using illegal vaping products at an alarming rate, a new report shows.
What happened?
The Mindanao Times reported on a nationwide consumer study conducted by CARMA that surveyed more than 1,100 cigarette and e-cigarette users. The results showed that 58% of people aged 19-24 in Southern Mindanao use e-cigarettes, and 61% of them use e-cigarettes every day.
Nearly 60% admitted to purchasing illegal smoking products. The main driver of these purchasing habits is cost, as illegal vaping products are often half the price of legal products.
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the rise in illegal vaping products “is a slap in the face to our legacy as a pioneer in strict anti-smoking governance”.
Why are illegal e-cigarettes dangerous?
All e-cigarettes are dangerous, but illegal vaping products are particularly concerning because it is unclear what ingredients they contain and they are not regulated by authorities. They often use toxic chemicals, such as etomidate, which are especially harmful to young, developing brains.
Studies have found that nicotine e-cigarette use increases impulsivity, hyperactivity, substance abuse, physical conflict, and even suicide attempts in young people. These products can also expose users to questionable chemicals that can cause lung inflammation and other respiratory problems.
E-cigarettes are also harmful to the environment. Disposable e-cigarettes are largely responsible for toxic e-waste and plastic pollution. They also contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires and contaminate soil and water if not handled properly.
Truth Initiative found that 49.1% of young e-cigarette users do not know how to properly dispose of e-cigarette products, and 10% of them throw e-cigarettes on the ground after using them. This creates unsightly litter, fire risks and toxic pollution that threatens public health.
What measures has the Philippines taken against illegal e-cigarettes?
Officials are pushing for greater enforcement of illegal smoking products. The Trade and Industry Commission pushed for stronger enforcement and improved data sharing during an October hearing, The Mindanao Times reported.
Leaders, including Senator Gatchalian Gatchalian, have called for higher conviction rates in cases involving smuggling of illegal products. Former finance minister Ralph Recto said better excise tax policy would deter illegal trade. The Department of Trade and Industry recently banned open e-cigarettes and refillable e-liquids, but this has not stopped illegal sales.
In the CARMA study, 70% of respondents said strong health warnings effectively deterred them from purchasing illegal products. Therefore, increasing awareness and education about the health effects of e-cigarettes may help curb the widespread use and illegal trade of e-cigarettes, thereby making the population and planet healthier.
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