Taking action on vaping

What began years ago as a technological promise, a tool for smoking cessation, has become a serious cause for concern across the region.

- MARVIN TORT

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are no longer just nicotine delivery systems for adults trying to quit cigarettes. They are becoming covert drug-delivery systems.Reports indicate that innocent-looking, candy-flavored vape pods are bought openly online or near schools. But inside, the liquid has been laced with illegal drugs that users can inhale through any vape device. What began as a smoking alternative has become a new way to use illegal drugs.

In my view, the risk is too great to ignore, despite the regulations already in place. Vaping has all the makings of a drug-delivery device disguised as a lifestyle product, and it has become accessible to the youth. Reports claim that drug-laced vape pods can be ordered online with ease.

I concede that I have no data to cite, and no studies or compelling evidence to offer, other than anecdotal reports of illegal drug use via vape devices. Even so, I will support any initiative to ban all commercial vape sales and imports before this problem spirals out of control.

The promise of "harm reduction" falls short. E-cigarettes may offer a less toxic alternative to combustible tobacco, but that does not make them safe. People have gotten sick from vaping. In the Philippine context, vaping has not simply replaced smoking among adults. It has led to nicotine use among the youth.

A product originally intended to help 50-year-olds quit smoking is now consumed by 15-year-olds for a nicotine kick. Worse, the same product can deliver illegal drugs to both young and old. Harm reduction is becoming harm multiplication, and we do not have enough safeguards to prevent abuse.