Vaping Proves More Harmful Than Smoking
Health experts have issued a strong warning: vaping is more dangerous than smoking traditional cigarettes. This concern arises as more young Filipinos fall into addiction through high-nicotine vape products, mistakenly believing these are safer alternatives.
According to sources familiar with public health matters, many teenagers are drawn in by deceptive marketing that portrays vaping as trendy and harmless. Vape liquids often come in colorful packaging and appealing fruit flavors, which clearly target minors. “Sinasabi pa nila mas-safe kaysa sa tobacco smoking. Ang totoo, hindi siya mas safe. Mas delikado siya at mas mataas ang nicotine content at na-a-adik ang mga kabataan sa vape,” a health official explained, highlighting the misleading safety claims.
Rising Youth Addiction and Health Risks
Reports indicate a growing public health threat as youth vaping rates climb. A tragic case involved a 22-year-old who died from complications linked to vaping. This individual began vaping at 14, despite laws restricting sales to those 18 and older. “So ito ang public health threat natin… Nag-umpisa siya mag-vape, 14, bawal ‘yun kasi 18 years old and above ang batas natin,” the official noted, emphasizing the enforcement gap that allows minors to access these products.
The consequences of vaping extend beyond addiction. The long-term effects may burden the healthcare system with increased cases of heart disease and cancer. “Kapag tumanda na ang mga bata, may sakit sa puso, magkakaroon ng cancer, so mas naging delikado pa,” the source warned, stressing the potential future health crisis.
Shifts in Smoking and Vaping Trends
While traditional cigarette smoking has declined, thanks to higher taxes, vaping use has surged significantly. Data shows smokers dropped to 19 percent of the population, but vaping doubled from 11 to 24 percent, with most users being young people. “Bumaba na ‘yung ating smokers dahil sa Sin Tax… Pero iyong pag-va-vape, nagdoble po from 11 percent, naging 24 percent. So dumami po ang na-va-vape. Karamihan ay kabataan kaya naaalarma po ang Department of Health,” sources revealed.
This shift highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation and enforcement to protect youth from the harmful effects of vaping. Despite age restrictions, minors continue to buy vape products, indicating widespread illegal sales.
Understanding the Public Health Threat
Vaping is not only more dangerous but also more costly compared to traditional smoking. Authorities urge communities and policymakers to recognize the severity of this threat and to take immediate action.
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