Cadmium is not the only potentially harmful substance found in vape aerosols. Other chemicals, including benzene, diacetyl, and acrolein, can also pose serious health risks.
Amid these concerns, parents, schools, and members of the religious sector are urging Congress to prioritize the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill (House Bill No. 9603) to strengthen protection against tobacco smoke and vape emissions, particularly for children and young people.
Parents call for safer learning environments
Agnes Aliparo, president of the SPTA District 2 Federation in Quezon City, called on parents to support the proposed measure and work with schools to protect students from exposure to tobacco smoke and vape emissions.
‘We support the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill because our children deserve to learn and grow in environments free from tobacco smoke and vape emissions. I encourage fellow parents to support HB 9603 and join efforts to protect the health and future of our children,’ Aliparo said.
In Cebu, Velez College underscored the role of educational institutions and future health professionals in advancing public health protection.
Atty. Ebenezer Daryl P. Manzano, dean of medical technology at Velez College, emphasized the importance of combining education with effective policies.
‘Schools help shape the habits and values of young people. Educating students about the risks of tobacco and vaping must go hand in hand with policies that protect them from exposure to smoke and vape emissions,’ Manzano said.
Faith communities promote health protection
Members of the religious sector also emphasize care for others, responsibility, and respect for life and health.
Pastor Manuelito Lim, senior pastor of Blessed in Christ By Grace Church and a member of the Parents Against Vape (PAV) board, encouraged families and communities to work together to protect young people.
‘Our bodies are precious, and caring for them is part of honoring the life we have been given. Whatever our faith tradition, we share a responsibility to guide our young people toward healthy choices and protect them from harm,’ Lim said.
Youth vaping and secondhand smoke exposure
The 2024 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) found that 12.8 percent of Filipino students aged 13 to 15 currently use e-cigarettes.
The survey also found that 61.1 percent of students were exposed to tobacco smoke in enclosed public places, while 42.5 percent were exposed at home. These findings highlight concerns about young people’s exposure to tobacco smoke and the need for effective protections.
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Advocates urge Congress to act
Parents Against Vape, together with the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement, is calling on Congress to prioritize HB 9603. The proposed measure seeks to strengthen smoke-free and vape-free protections, including expanding the areas where smoking and vaping are prohibited.
PAV also continues to advocate for a total ban on vaping, calling for stronger government action to prevent young people from accessing and using vaping products.