As the summer vacation approaches, young people may have more chances to meet with friends, but it also increases their risk of contacting prohibited items. Department of Health (DOH) of Kaohsiung City Government stated today (July 4) there were students offering electronic cigarettes (vapes) to schoolmates in the campus recently. This is not only a violation of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, liable to a penalty up to NT$250,000, but also a health hazard to the youth as the vape liquid contains addictive substances such as nicotine that will harm the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system and affect health. Youngsters are reminded to say no boldly to the vape temptation and protect their own health.
DOH revealed that the amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act on March 22, 2023 has categorized e-cigarettes as “imitation tobacco product” and explicitly prohibited the manufacturing, import, selling, supply, display, and advertisement thereof, meaning that e-cigarette is a prohibited item. A maximum penalty of NT$50 million may be imposed in case of violation. Even sharing or forwarding vape-related information on the social media is liable to a penalty up to NT$1 million. Young people are advised not to accidentally commit the illicit act for just trying to “play cool.”
Recently there was a student of a vocational high school in Kaohsiung (Student A) who asked a classmate (Student B) for smoking his/her vape out of curiosity because of the sweet smell coming out from Student B’s vape smoke. The two smoking in turn were caught on the spot by a teacher. DOH received the report and handled it according to the law. As a result, Student B was found violating the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act by “supplying” the vape and was subject to a penalty up to NT$250,000. Also, both students had violated the law for smoking vapes and were liable to a penalty up to NT$10,000.
DOH stated that the Health Promotion Administration’s Youth Tobacco Survey in 2023 showed the main reason for youngsters to start vaping was “my friends are vaping.” Moreover, the vape products on the market are generally packaged as fashionable 3C accessories, with misleading messages such as “non-hazardous” or “help quit smoking.” However, the fact is nearly 90% of the vape liquid contains addictive substances such as nicotine that will harm the respiratory tract, cardiovascular and immune systems, and even affect the developing brain causing memory deterioration, attention deficiency, emotional instability. It may also lead to serious consequences such as earlier onset of pulmonary fibrosis and deterioration of vital capacity than smoking paper cigarette. Young people should stay cautious, realize the fallacy, and refuse the temptation.
“Say NO to tobacco hazard – the coolest choice of youth!” DOH reminded that all e-cigarettes are hazardous, and vaping is not a fashion but a trap. Summer vacation is the practice field for young people’s growth and decision-making. They are advised to develop online media literacy and a correct attitude of saying no to tobacco hazard by using the DOH’s Facebook fan page and short videos on e-cigarette control, and hence take the initiative to defend their own health.