A new generation of smokers: Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 27, 2025 by asianews.network
A new generation of smokers: Philippine Daily Inquirer
The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, passed in 2023, resulted in a surge of 9.5 million new smokers in the Philippines, with 1 million being adolescents. The law was intended to regulate e-cigarettes but inadvertently increased smoking rates. Lung cancer is now a major concern due to vaping, with health experts urging amendments to the law, such as raising the vaping age to 25 and restricting flavors. Various groups oppose the law, viewing it as a retrogressive measure. Urgent action is needed to reverse the harmful effects, including stricter implementation and anti-smoking campaigns covering all tobacco products.
20.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 15.8 million current smokers in Philippines 36.20% of men are current smokers but only 4.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR