A concerning new study reveals that young adults in the Philippines are turning to illegal vaping products at alarming rates, driven primarily by lower costs. The nationwide CARMA survey of over 1,100 users found that in Southern Mindanao, 58% of individuals aged 19-24 use vapes, with 61% using them daily. Nearly 60% of young vapers admit to purchasing illicit products, which can cost half the price of legal alternatives. This trend has prompted officials like Councilor Rachel Zozobrado to condemn the surge as a setback for the country’s pioneering anti-smoking governance.
Illegal vaping products pose severe health and environmental risks due to a lack of regulation and unknown ingredients. These illicit items often contain toxic chemicals like etomidate, which are particularly harmful to developing brains. Research links nicotine vapes to increased impulsivity, hyperactivity, substance abuse, and even suicide attempts among youth, alongside respiratory issues like lung inflammation. Environmentally, disposable vapes contribute to toxic e-waste and plastic pollution, with improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries creating fire hazards and soil contamination. A Truth Initiative study found that nearly half of young vapers don’t know how to dispose of these products safely, exacerbating public health threats.
In response, Philippine officials are advocating for stronger enforcement and policy reforms to combat the illegal vaping trade. The Committee on Trade and Industry has emphasized better enforcement and data sharing, while leaders like Senator Win Gatchalian call for higher conviction rates in smuggling cases. Former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto suggests that improved excise policies could deter illicit trade, though recent bans on open-pod vapes and refillable e-liquids have not halted illegal sales. The CARMA study indicates that 70% of respondents are deterred by strong health warnings, highlighting the potential of awareness campaigns to reduce both general use and illegal purchases, fostering a healthier population and planet.
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Forrás: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/study-uncovers-disturbing-trend-young-040000491.html.