VAPING. The Philippine College of Chest Physicians-Northwest Panay Chapter (PCCP-NPC) is calling on local government units in Antique to enact ordinances regulating the sale of vapes, especially to teenagers, due to its ill effects. This World No Tobacco Month, they aim to raise public awareness of the ill effects of vaping, said the medical association president, Dr. Helarose Elisterio. (Photo courtesy of Philippine College of Chest Physicians-Northwest Panay Chapter)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Philippine College of Chest Physicians-Northwest Panay Chapter (PCCP-NPC) is calling on local government units in Antique to enact ordinances regulating the sale of vapes, especially to teenagers, due to its ill effects.
In a media interview on Tuesday, PCCP-NPC president Dr. Helarose Elisterio said there are teenagers and even adults in the province who are into vaping.
She said there are vape stores near schools, making them accessible to students, while some establishments have smoking or vaping areas, thus tolerating the unhealthy habit.
“The vapes are sold in different flavors and packaging such as it could look like a universal serial bus (USB) or a lipstick that could be enticing,” she said.
The medical doctor said that vapes contain toxic chemicals and metals and could be harmful to the lungs and addictive when inhaled.
It contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance that could affect brain development; propylene glycol used for antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke in fog machines; and carcinogen, a cancer-causing chemical.
“Vaping is not a substitute to tobacco smoking, but it is just the beginning,” Elisterio further said.
She explained that teenagers usually start with vaping and ultimately step up into tobacco smoking.
She said that the PCCP-NPC, an organization of pulmonary doctors in Northwest Panay to observe World No Tobacco Month, aims to raise public awareness of the ill effects of vaping. (PNA)
