Measures in Place to Counter Perception that Vaping Does Not Have Serious Health Effects as Smoking
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Christopher de Souza's inquiry into measures used to counter the perception that vaping is less harmful than traditional smoking. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong highlighted that electronic vaporisers are undoubtedly harmful and serve as a potential gateway for non-smokers to start using cigarettes. To raise awareness, the Health Promotion Board launched a 2019 campaign for youths and parents and collaborated with schools on gamified learning activities. Educators are also equipped with resources to discuss these health risks, while public information remains accessible via platforms like HealthHub. Additionally, the Health Sciences Authority uses media engagement to warn that the sale, possession, and use of vaporisers are strictly prohibited under Singapore law.
Transcript
10 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Health what measures are put in place to counter the perception that vaping does not have the same serious health effects that smoking does.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The World Health Organization has declared that Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly called e-cigarettes or vaporisers, are undoubtedly harmful to health and that they are not safer alternatives to regular cigarettes. In addition, there is evidence that ENDS can be a gateway for non-smokers to start using traditional cigarettes.
To raise awareness of the negative health effects of vaping, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) developed a public education campaign in 2019 to create awareness and understanding on the health harms of ENDS. Targeted at youths aged 18 to 25 and parents with teenage children, the campaign highlighted the harmful contents within e-cigarettes. HPB also works closely with MOE and Institutes of Higher Learning to raise awareness among youths about the benefits of leading a tobacco-free lifestyle and encourage them to stay vape-free. This involves organising online learning activities on the harms of vaping, through gamification methods, for example, virtual escape rooms, to educate the youths. HPB also provides resources for self-directed learning and trains educators so that they are equipped to discuss the harms of vaping with their students.
For the general public, information on the negative effects of vaping is also available on HealthHub (www.HealthHub.sg/vaping). The Health Sciences Authority also engages the media to remind the public that the sale, use, possession for sale, importation or distribution of electronic vaporisers are strictly prohibited in Singapore and strongly advises the public from engaging in such activities.