Philippines: DOH Warns VS Use of E-cigarettes

Source from:  Philippine Online Chronicles (ph)  04/12/2013

The Department of Health (DOH) advised smokers not to use electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
An e-cigarette is a mechanical device that simulates smoking a real cigarette without the tobacco or tar.

It works when air flows through the cylinder that is injected with droplets of liquid. The "e-juice" contains subtances that turn into a vapor mist, which is then inhaled by the user.

In a report, Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said chemicals used in e-cigarettes may be dangerous or harmful to the body.

"Di tayo nakakasiguro kung anong substance ang ginagamit dyan, potentially harmful ito eh diretso pa sa baga," Tayag said.

(We are not certain what substances are being used, they may be potentially harmful as they go straight to the lungs.)

The report cited a European Respiratory Society study which revealed that "electronic cigarettes cause damage to the lungs."

Countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Mexico, and New Zealand have banned e-cigarettes.

In another report, Anthony Leachon, DOH consultant for non-communicable diseases, dispelled the notion that e-cigarettes could help a person who wants to quit smoking.

Leachon said: "Electronic cigarettes are not advisable since you don't kick the habit. You can easily go back to smoking."

In the same report, Maricar Limpin, executive director of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines, said e-cigarette is also addictive because the liquid used to produce vapor contains nicotine.

Leachon advised those who want to stop smoking to consult a doctor for proper counseling and medication.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa proposed the prohibition of smoking e-cigarettes in public places.

"Smoking pa rin 'yan. Kaya 'pag sinabing 'no smoking in public places,' [at] naglalakad sa mall [while smoking] dapat hulihin yon. Hindi pwdeng sabihin na porket e-cigarette ang sinisigarilyo niya ay safe na," Herbosa said in a report.

(It's still smoking. So when you say 'no smoking' in public places and you see somebody puffing away with an e-cigarette in prohibited places like malls the person should be apprehended. It cannot be argued that smoking e-cigarette is safe.)

The DOH and the Food and Drugs Administration said they will release guidelines regulating the use of e-cigarettes. Enditem