Lawmaker seeks e-cigarette regulation

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A congressman has proposed the regulating of the production and sale of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, which become popular to allegedly counter tobacco addiction.

“Although it may be safer than a cigarette or tobacco, because it does not produce real smoke as a very dangerous by-product of the latter, the long-term effects of vaping e-cigarettes are still not guaranteed to be completely safe,” Paranaque City Representative Eric Olivares said.

E-cigarettes, also called vapes have become popular in the Philippines as they are marketed to heavy cigarette users who want to quit smoking.

However, Olivares pointed out the e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and “induces substance dependence.”

“E-cigarettes are designed to mimic the real thing. The internal assembly of this device is comprised of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge that holds nicotine and other liquids and flavorings. The end of the stick glows as one inhales it and a cloud of pseudo-smoke is puffed out as the user exhales. This seeming smoke is vapor, and the act of inhaling the said device is called vaping,” he explained.

His House Bill no. 5093 aims to require health warnings on the packaging of e-cigarettes.

He said the Department of Health should prescribe a standard size and look for the warning signs and impose restrictions on the advertising and promotion of the product to avoid misinformation.

Regulation of flavorings and composition of the e-cigarette may also be prescribed by the agency.

Olivares said e-cigarette companies should also be required to register with the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

The World Health Organization earlier said that governments should regulate the sale of e-cigarettes. It said there was no proof yet that it helps people kick the habit of smoking.

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