The Department of Health (DOH) said it supports the proposal of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto to ban disposable vape products in the Philippines.

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said that vape products in general pose health risks, including e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The DOH also stressed its environmental threats, noting that such products are “made with plastic and batteries, which are not easily recyclable or biodegradable.”

“These items result in electronic waste (e-waste) that contains harmful chemicals that can seep into soil and water sources, posing risks to both the environment and public health,” it added.

Recto on Tuesday proposed banning dispoable vapes in the country, saying that most of them are unregistered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and do not pay excise taxes.

“We don’t know if it’s safe being unregulated. They do not pay taxes and are sold/appeal to minors,” the Finance chief said, adding that he has yet to formally inform the DTI about his proposal.

Disposable vapes, which are non-rechargeable devices that come pre-charged and pre-filled with liquid, are being sold at online marketplaces at over P120 to more than P430 per device.

Recto said that if disposable vape makers fully comply with tax obligations, the selling price of their devices should not fall below P3,000 each.

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