One group is moving to urge the government to raise the age of those who can legally use vapes to 25 years old.
Speaking during a hearing of the Senate committee on sustainable development goals, innovation, and futures thinking last week, Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance Executive Director Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, said that people under 25 years old should not be allowed to use vapes to prevent them from developing nicotine addiction.
This is a good idea, and not just for vapes but for tobacco products in general.
Under today’s law, those who turn 18 are already allowed to use vapes. While it is 21 years old for cigarettes, we all know that not all ambulant vendors and sari-sari stores follow this rule. Some people who are clearly minors can even get away with smoking.
Smoking isn’t just a vice that opens up someone to a slew of minor and major illnesses. It is also harmful to others who don’t indulge in such a vice, especially when someone smokes in closed room or in a public vehicle.
We cannot say vaping is better. While it is slightly safer than smoking cigarettes --and admittedly smells way better owing to numerous “flavors” available-- vapes have their own share of dangerous chemicals. Like cigarettes they are also bad for the heart and lungs. They are also as addictive as cigarettes.
The long-term effects of cigarettes include heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is also increased risk for tuberculosis, cataracts, immune system problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, there is also heightened risk of lung cancer.
We don’t even have to mention a smoking addiction being a financial drain on those who smoke at least a pack a day.
Vaping is an even more expensive vice than smoking and is also dangerous as it can cause side effects like dry mouth, coughing, nausea, headaches, and long-term effects like cardiovascular disease, lung damage, lung disease, seizures, and nicotine addiction.
Today just happens to be World No Tobacco day, perhaps our lawmaker should consider the suggestions of Dr. Dorotheo and raise the age for those who want to vape or smoke. In the long run it may save lives.