The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday warned the public about the deadly risks of smoking and vaping, calling both a “scam” that victimizes Filipinos.
“The chemicals in vapes are just waiting to damage the lungs of users. EVALI, Popcorn Lung, and heart diseases can suddenly strike in the middle of every enjoyable puff,” the DOH said.
EVALI is a serious lung injury linked to inhaling aerosol chemicals, while Popcorn Lung is a rare but irreversible condition that scars and narrows the airways.
According to the DOH, secondhand smoke and seemingly harmless scented vape fumes still contain toxic substances that can cause lung damage and death.
The agency also recently introduced new characters in its anti-tobacco campaign—Vape Sulasok, Eva Li, and Ate Rose—to illustrate the terrifying effects of smoking and vaping.
During the campaign launch, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa condemned the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing tactics and pledged action through public education, policy reforms, and stricter regulation.
Key proposals include banning vapes, enforcing plain packaging, maintaining sin taxes, expanding PhilHealth’s smoking cessation coverage, and penalizing illegal online sales targeting youth.
The DOH urged Filipinos to seek help by calling the free Quitline 1558.
