Gov’t urged to stop sale of e-cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) yesterday asked the government to stop the sale of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, pending a study and testing on their safety.

Ramon Severino of PPS said the effects of e-cigarettes on a person’s health have not been established.

“We do not know if they can be bad for us and if they are saying this is an ‘alternative lifestyle,’ the question is whether it is right for us to teach a new kind of vice to the public, moreover to our children and the youth,” he said in a forum organized by the Philippine Medical Association.

Severino noted that since Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulations Act does not cover e-cigarettes, even minors could buy them.

Last April, the Food and Drug Administration issued Advisory 2013-008, warning the public that it has not registered any electronic cigarette products and will not register them as health products.

“The electronic cigarette is contrary to the intent and provisions of Republic Act 9211. RA 9211 is intended to protect the youth from nicotine addiction and chronic respiratory diseases, including cancer, brought about by inhalation of thousands of highly toxic substances found in tobacco and cigarettes,” the advisory said.

“Wittingly or unwittingly, the electronic cigarettes promote smoking among children and the youth,” the FDA said.

“It makes them less fearful of the hazards and risks of smoking. It is opposed to the DOH’s (Department of Health) health goal to stop cigarette smoking and tobacco use. The public is advised not to smoke at all and not to use cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes,” the agency added.