The Philippines' Vaping Epidemic

The Philippines e-cigarette and vape market was valued at USD 113.6 million in 2023, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by the perception that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, leading many to switch to e-cigarettes and vaping products. The market's expansion is further fueled by the appeal of flavored e-liquids and the social allure of vaping, particularly among younger individuals who view it as a trend or lifestyle choice.

In response to growing concerns over the health impacts of vaping, the Philippine government introduced Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. This law regulates the sale, use, and marketing of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, limiting access to those aged 18 and above, banning flavor descriptors appealing to minors, and restricting advertising to protect youth from targeted marketing. While the law aims to address these concerns, public health advocates have raised alarms about its potential to inadvertently increase vaping among minors.

A survey conducted by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control in 2019 and 2021 found that 14% of Filipino youth (1.21 million people) and 2% of adults (1.63 million) report current use of e-cigarettes. Alarmingly, 70% of youth participants thought e-cigarettes were less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and nearly 51% used e-cigarettes to either reduce or quit smoking. This perception, combined with the availability of flavored products, underscores a growing misconception that vaping is a harmless activity, particularly among young people.

Vaping involves inhaling vaporized liquids through a device like an e-cigarette or vape pen. While these devices may look appealing and are often marketed as safer than traditional smoking, they still carry serious health risks. The vapor produced contains harmful substances like nicotine, which is addictive, and other chemicals that can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system, similar to the effects of smoking.

In a tragic case in 2024, the Philippines reported its first death linked to a vape-related lung injury (EVALI). The 22-year-old patient had no prior health issues but died from a heart attack caused by severe lung injury attributed to vaping. The patient had used e-cigarettes daily for two years, which led to severe lung obstruction and heart damage. This case highlights the real dangers of vaping, even among young, healthy individuals who may have been misled by the misconception that vaping is a safe alternative.

Dr. Rizalina Gonzalez of the Philippine Pediatric Society, who studied the case, emphasizes that vaping and e-cigarettes are as harmful as traditional cigarettes. The misconception that vaping is safer has contributed to a growing number of young people engaging in the practice without fully understanding the health risks.

To address these misconceptions, here are key facts about vaping that help clarify its dangers:

• E-cigarettes vs. Regular Cigarettes
  Vaping and smoking both involve inhaling nicotine and other substances into the lungs. While e-cigarettes produce an aerosol that can be mistakenly thought of as "just water vapor," this aerosol contains small particles of nicotine, metals, and other harmful chemicals. These particles can cause lung inflammation, damage, and scarring, much like traditional smoking. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, but research suggests significant risks to lung health

• E-cigarettes Are As Addictive As Regular Cigarettes
  Studies show that over 30% of teens who start vaping transition to smoking traditional cigarettes within six months. Rather than helping smokers quit, e-cigarettes often serve as a gateway to tobacco use. Additionally, adjustable devices and high-nicotine cartridges increase the likelihood of nicotine dependency

• Using E-cigarettes in Closed Areas Is Safe
  While the risks of secondhand smoke from traditional cigarettes are well-known, the effects of secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes are still being studied. Early research suggests that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can cause bronchitis symptoms, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues, especially among non-smokers and young adults. The aerosol contains harmful metals and ultrafine particles that can enter the lungs and cause lasting damage

• E-cigarettes Without Nicotine Are Safe
  Even nicotine-free e-juices contain harmful chemicals that can cause mouth irritation, immune inflammation, and lung damage. Substances like formaldehyde, acrolein, and diacetyl, as well as heavy metals such as lead and nickel, are present in the aerosol, putting users at risk of serious health complications, despite the absence of nicotine

• Vaping Is a Stress Reliever
  Many young people turn to vaping as a means of stress relief. However, nicotine can increase heart rate, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. Over time, nicotine dependence worsens anxiety and depression, making e-cigarettes particularly harmful for young users whose brains are still developing
  

To protect public health, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the real dangers of vaping, especially among the youth. Understanding the risks, debunking misconceptions, and enforcing stricter regulations can help prevent long-term health consequences. Let’s work together to create a safer, smoke-free future for the next generation.