DOH reminds public of the health hazards of tobacco, vape use
The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Friday, April 4, 2025, of the health hazards of tobacco and vapes, saying their use was now on the rise among adults. FILE PHOTO (REUTERS/Thomas Peter)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reminded the public of the health hazards of tobacco and vapes, saying their use is now on the rise among adults.
The DOH cited the 2023 National Nutrition Survey, which showed that tobacco and vape use increased from 19% in 2021 to 24.4% among adults aged 20 to 59.
“The DOH emphasizes that tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,” it said in a statement.
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It noted that 2023 and 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority identified heart attacks, cancer, and strokes as the top three causes of death linked to tobacco use. It also added that tobacco use can lead to other causes of death, such as lung diseases, diabetes, eye disorders, and reproductive health failure.
It reiterated that second-hand smoke exposure can cause heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer in adults, and on the other hand, it can cause respiratory and ear infections, asthma attacks, and sudden infant death syndrome among children.
Meanwhile, the health department also warned that the use of vape can result in e-cigarette or vapor product-associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
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It reminded the public of the first EVALI-related death in the country where a 22-year-old male with no history of health issues suffered a fatal heart attack, following a severe lung injury. While the victim had no history of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking, he vaped daily for two years.
“Beyond its policy achievements with the Sin Tax and Graphic Health Warnings, the DOH also urges users of tobacco and vape products to make use of its quitline (1558) and other smoking cessation services,” the DOH expressed.
The department previously voiced its support to ban all kinds of vapes, citing detrimental effects in health and the environment.
