The Philippines recently announced a ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes and vapes, and a warning to arrest users on sight – a sudden, unexpected decision apparently resulting from a casual comment by the country’s President, Rodrigo Duterte.
The Independent reports the Philippine police issued a statement that on “the order of the President… all police units nationwide must enforce the ban on use of vapes; ensure all violators will be arrested”.
The order comes hot on the heels of a 16-year-old Philippine girl being diagnosed with a “vape-associated lung injury” after using e-cigarettes for six months. Her symptoms included sudden shortness of breath, and she was discharged after being treated.
Duterte had said: “I will ban e-cigarettes … use and importation… it is toxic and government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest.”
The outspoken President was a heavy smoker until being diagnosed as suffering from Buerger’s disease, which can cause blockages in the blood vessels. Since quitting himself, he has also banned the smoking of cigarettes in public.
He said e-cigarettes contained “nicotine and other chemicals that we do not know”, and that its users would “contaminate people”.
The government has not yet released a formal order enforcing the ban.
Duterte’s Finance Minister, Carlos Dominguez, who in October ruled out a ban and suggested higher taxation would be a more effective measure, reportedly messaged MPs after the news conference asking them to start drawing up legislation immediately.
Worldwide, around 30 countries have banned vaping, India becoming the largest to do so in September.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Ban flavoured vapes, says EU as as e-cigarette use rises
Anti-vaping research drowns out harm reduction advocates in Australia
Denmark, Britain, Malaysia may follow New Zealand in youth smoking ban
Evidence grows for vaping’s role in gum disease – New York University study