BAGUIO CITY — In observance of World No Tobacco Day, the spotlight turns not only to the dangers of tobacco use but also to the deceitful tactics used by tobacco and nicotine industries to attract young people to their harmful products.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported tobacco use as one of the world’s leading preventable causes of death and is a major preventable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cancer, lung disease, and heart disease.
Yet, tobacco continues to claim millions of lives each year despite continuous awareness programs.
With this year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” the WHO, alongside public health organizations worldwide, aims to expose how the tobacco and nicotine industries make harmful products appear attractive and harmless especially to the youth.
A major focus of the campaign is the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes or vapes that are often marketed as a safer and trendier alternative to smoking where vendors strategically package their products in bright colors and designs that resemble keychains or handicrafts, appealing to consumers.
“Bright colours are deliberately used to disguise dangerous products as fun and harmless…but no matter the colour, tobacco is deadly,” the WHO stated, emphasizing the risks behind the flashy presentation of nicotine products like vapes.
In a media forum conducted by the Philippine Information Agency, May 25, Dr. Endrik Sy of the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center addressed the rising trend of vaping among young people.
He pointed out that this popularity stems from misleading marketing and the widespread misconception that vaping is just inhaling flavored smoke and is less harmful due to the absence of tobacco content.
Another factor is peer pressure and the influence of celebrities and artists they follow on social media, normalizing the use of said products.
Sy clarified, however, that several studies had already concluded that vapes are not safe, and sometimes even more dangerous, noting the first vape-related death in the Philippines involving a 16-year-old.
Another case was of a 22-year-old in 2024 caused by e-cigarette, or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
He said that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals and have a possibility of higher levels of nicotine, which makes them just as addictive as traditional cigarettes.
Secondhand and thirdhand exposure still occur with vaping, posing health risks to non-users as well, Sy stressed as he acknowledged that some people turn to smoking or vaping as a way to relieve stress.
However, he emphasized that healthier alternatives exist and encouraged individuals to seek professional help.
Sy also reminded the public that smoking cessation clinics are available in various health centers across Baguio City to support those who want to quit.
Given that the youth today are susceptible to vaping and smoking, he urged parents to educate their children about their harmful effects and prevent exposure from these activities.** Marbino Timatim Jr./Baguio PIO Intern/gabykeith
