GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of South Cotabato has raised alarm over the increasing number of minors in the area who were into vaping through the use of electronic or e-cigarettes.
Karen Fulgar, child representative of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), said Tuesday they have received reports regarding the “excessive use of vapes” by minors, specifically students.
She said a number of students were recently caught vaping in schools, specifically in Polomolok town.
"This is alarming since vapors can cause harm to those with asthma and with weak lungs," Fulgar said.
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by personal vaporizers and e-cigarettes out of “e-liquids” (or e-juice), which are a mixtures of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, and usually comes with water-soluble food flavoring.
Recent studies showed that “people who smoke e-cigarettes might have an increased risk of developing pneumonia because the vapor could help bacteria stick to cells lining the airways.”
PCPC said the excessive use of vape is now one of the "major concerns" even in remote barangays because of its popularity and accessibility.
It said these are readily sold in vape shops in parts of the province as well as through online stores.
Apart from the health problems, the council is also concerned with the possibility of addiction among minors as the e-cigarette being used contain sweet flavors similar to desserts and might contain nicotine.
To address the problem, the PCPC proposed for the regulation of vape shop operations and other related establishments within the province’s 10 towns and lone city.
Provincial Boardmember Ester Marin Catorce, who also serves as PCPC action officer, said they are set to submit a resolution requesting the provincial government to set measures for the regulation of the vape shops.
“This regulation will primarily prohibit children from entering the said shops,” she said.
Catorce admitted that it would be difficult for the council to prohibit children from buying vapes online.
But she said the regulation of the local vape shops would have a great impact as most children access their materials through these establishments.(FKA/PNA)
