Vaping as harmful as tobacco use, says DOH
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga is urging the public, particularly the youth, to avoid vaping, stressing that electronic cigarettes are not a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products and pose serious health risks as well.
During the DOH Media Forum on June 17 in Butuan City, Doctor Amethyst Kathleen G. Alicante, medical officer IV of DOH-CHD Caraga, debunked the common misconception that vaping is less harmful than smoking.
“Now, we have seen that e-vaping actually has more damaging effects. We’ve seen reports of vape explosions and the harmful substances produced by the chemicals found in these products,” Alicante said.
She emphasized that while vaping devices are often marketed with sleek designs, attractive flavors, and modern features, these characteristics do not make them safer. “Just because vaping looks more modern and sophisticated does not mean it is safer. We have seen that it still has many harmful effects on the body.”
The warning comes as the country observes National No Smoking Month every June, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 183 signed in 1993. The annual campaign aims to raise public awareness on the harmful effects of smoking and encourage Filipinos to adopt healthier, smoke-free lifestyles.
According to Phoebie Rhanie Demata-Boque, health education and promotion officer III of DOH-CHD Caraga, tobacco use remains a major public health concern in the Philippines.
“The DOH-World Health Organization 2023 report shows more than 117,000 Filipinos die annually from tobacco-related diseases. Both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing more than 12 types of cancer,” Demata-Boque said.
She noted that while the government continues to strengthen tobacco control measures nationwide, they also noticed the increasing popularity of vaping among young Filipinos, with users aged 13 to 15.
“There are around 1.21 million vapers in the country, which highlights the growing challenge of nicotine addiction among the younger population,” she said.
Demata-Boque emphasized that despite differences in appearance and method of use, both cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance negatively affecting brain development, especially among adolescents.
“Despite the differences between tobacco and vape, both contain nicotine, which is very addictive. Nicotine addiction is a disease that can have long-term health risks,” she added as she emphasized the efforts of the agency to advocate for stronger public awareness, stricter regulation of tobacco and vape products, and greater community participation in promoting a smoke-free and vape-free Philippines in support of the government’s broader public health agenda as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
As the country observes the National No Smoking Month, DOH-CHD Caraga encourages Caraganons not to try or quit smoking and vaping, seek cessation support, and help protect their families and loved ones from the harmful effects of nicotine and tobacco-related products. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
