The Department of Health expressed support for a proposal to ban disposable vapes, citing health and environmental concerns. According to the DOH, disposable vapes and vapor products pose health risks such as e-cigarette or vapor product associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. These products are made with plastic and batteries, becoming electronic waste containing harmful chemicals. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto raised the possibility of banning the sale of disposable vapes, noting that they are mostly unregistered products. The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which became law in July 2022, allows individuals as young as 18 years old to purchase vaping products, leading to concerns about increased accessibility for young people. A 2019 survey revealed that 14% of Filipino youth aged 13 to 15 were already using e-cigarettes.
