E-cigarettes are banned in Singapore and getting caught vaping will get you a hefty fine, but that hasn’t stemmed the rising number of offence cases in recent years.
CNA Lifestyle asks doctors and pharmacists all about vaping.
When it comes to cigarette use, its association with lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and congenital deformities is well-documented. Even if you aren’t aware, pick up any cigarette pack and you’ll see graphic images of one of those medical conditions printed on it.
E-cigarettes or vapes, on the other hand, are marketed openly on social media platforms and messaging apps as colourful accessories. The fruit-scented plumes that the battery-operated vaporisers (also known as vape pens, electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, and electronic nicotine delivery system or ENDS devices) produce are also mistakenly perceived as less harmful than the acrid odour of cigarette smoke, even though vaping has been linked to sometimes fatal lung disease.
Vaping is banned here in Singapore. Anyone found guilty of possession, use of or purchase of e-vaporisers could get fined up to S$2,000, and those found importing or selling them risk fines of up to S$10,000 and up to six months’ jail.
Controversially, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorised the sale of three vaping products to adults last October to help smokers quit or reduce their cigarette use. “The FDA determined that the potential benefit to smokers who switch completely or significantly reduce their cigarette use, would outweigh the risk to youth,” it said.
Khoo Bee Khim – CNA Lifestyle – 2022-07-05.
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