Parents call for measures vs ‘vapedemic’

MANILA, Philippines — The Parents Against Vape are seeking stricter regulations on the marketing and sale of vape products to address what the PAV described as a “vapedemic.”

VAP stressed the need to amend the Vape Law and stop promoting products that appeal particularly to young people.

“Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. It poses significant health risks, especially to the developing lungs and brains of our children,” the group said in a statement.

“The recent cases of EVALI or e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury only prove one most glaring fact: vaping kills!” VAP pointed out.

The group pressed for a ban on flavored vapes and ensuring that the packaging does not attract minors.

VAP cited a Department of Health report showing a 110-percent increase in vape users in 2023.

“Particularly alarming is the statistic that one in every seven teenagers, aged 13 to 15, is now using vape products. This, despite the fact that, under Republic Act 11900, only those 18 years old and above are supposed to have access to vapes,” PAV added.

The group recommended increasing the age of accessibility to vape products from 18 to 21 and limiting flavors to only menthol and tobacco.

“If vaping is being marketed as a cessation tool, then there is no need to make it attractive and appealing, especially to our children,” VAP explained.

The group also pushed for the return of the regulatory power over vapes to the Food and Drug Administration from the Department of Trade and Industry.