MANILA: The Philippine health department warned the public yesterday against electronic cigarettes, saying the tobacco substitute could turn children into smokers.
E-cigarettes have been gaining favour among Filipinos as higher tobacco taxes make smoking more expensive.
Food and Drug Administration director-general Kenneth Hartigan-Go disputed what he said were claims by vendors that electronic cigarettes helped smokers kick the habit.
“Wittingly or unwittingly, the electronic cigarette promotes smoking among children and the youth. It makes them less fearful of hazards and risks of smoking,” he said in a health advisory posted on its website yesterday.
“The public is advised NOT to smoke at all and NOT to use cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes,” added Hartigan-Go, who could not be reached for comment yesterday. — AFP