MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) once again called on the public, especially pregnant women and young adults, to refrain from vaping and using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other heated tobacco products.
The DOH made the call after the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced new International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 code U07.0, an international tool for classifying and monitoring diseases, following its warning on the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and other similar devices.
The tool, according to WHO, will be used for immediate reporting of acutely ill patients who have used e-cigarettes in the last 90 days, with no other plausible causes for illness.
“Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are sold in the market as alternatives for smokers trying to wean themselves off tobacco. Some studies claim that they contain fewer toxic chemicals and are less harmful alternatives to cigarettes,” DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a statement.
“We do not support their claim of reduced harm. These products endanger the health of both users and non-users, and are clearly not meant for children,” he added.
The WHO introduced new ICD codes in response to the epidemic in the United States involving healthy young people who were reported to have developed vaping-related illness in recent months.
With 1,299 cases and 26 deaths reported, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration are currently investigating the reports.
In support of WHO’s efforts, the DOH urged all government and private hospitals, clinics and other health facilities to use proper codes for designating vaping-related disorders to allow existing health information systems to capture data on vaping-related disorders.
Information on the potential harm of novel and emerging nicotine products can guide future policy directions for electronic cigarettes.
All health and allied health professionals are urged to be vigilant in identifying risks during routine clinical evaluations by taking the history of tobacco use and use of e-cigarettes or vapes in all patients.
DOH also called on the medical community, parents and teachers to help address the widespread use of electronic cigarettes, particularly among the youth and young adults.
“People who have recently used e-cigarettes or other vaping products should immediately seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms,” Duque said.
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