E-Cigars Found to Have Nicotine

Source from:  Manila Standard Today 03/21/2013

THE Metro Manila Development Authority will back a ban on electronic smoking amid findings of addiction due to nicotine inhalation.

Dr. Loida Alzona, head of the Health Public Safety and Environmental Protection, during the agency's weekly radio program over dzBB, said electronic cigars were no different from tobacco thus a need to revisit Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

"There are discussions to amend the Act because of the introduction of electronic cigars in the market," she said.

Alzona called on local government units to pass their measures to beef up an anti-smoking campaign.

With the amendment of the law, we expect to save more lives," she said. According to Alzona, their intensified anti-smoking drive has already netted 65,688 violators since 2011 with 61,619 male smokers and 4,069 female smokers.

"Close to 6,000 of them have availed themselves of the assistance of the agency's cessation clinic to quit smoking, instead of paying fines," she said.

Alzona said the MMDA has partnered with the Philippine Heart Association, a non-stock non-profit organization of cardiologists, to help smoker kick the habit.

"Heart specialists will come over to MMDA headquarters to personally advise those apprehended until and help them until they have finally given up smoking," she said, noting that barangay health centers should open their own cessation clinics. Enditem