6 million preventable deaths are caused by tobacco use or smoking (DOH, n.d.), making it one of the significant modifiable contributors to an increased risk of diseases and deaths. Cigarette sticks contain chemicals that negatively affect an individual’s health (Smith, 2021). Though many ensure to take great care of their health by not smoking, non-smokers’ exposure to secondhand smoke is sometimes inevitable, most especially if health policies are not enforced strongly. According to CDC, secondhand smoke comes from the burning end of the cigarette or the smoke released by the user. Secondhand smoke is associated with a lot of serious health problems such as lung cancer, heart problems, breathing problems, and even death.
The best way to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke is through smoking cessation, however, if not possible, health policies must be implemented such as the prohibition of smoking indoors, and in public spaces, which includes public transportation services (CDC, n.d.). Executive order no. 26 by the president of the Philippines aims to provide the establishment of smoke-free environments in both public and enclosed spaces. The executive order prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces, hence the establishment of designated smoking areas where smoking is allowed away from the public, in order to protect them from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Local government units are to implement local smoking cessation programs in accordance with the National Cessation Program of RA No. 9211. And lastly, under the executive order, all cities and municipalities are expected to participate in order for the provisions of the order to be strongly enforced and promote cigarette-smoke-free zones in the country (Executive Order No. 26 S. 2017, 2017).
The push for smoke-free zones will further promote the improvement of the health of the general population. In Silang, according to what I have observed, the order is being observed by the majority of smokers. However, the increasing number of vape users is concerning. Some vape users still smoke publicly. Compared to tobacco and cigarette sticks, vape smoke does not emit an acrid smell, instead, they tend to smell nice according to the juices used. In a research by Islam, it is reported that the aerosols emitted by e-cigarettes, or their secondhand smoke, may contain heavy metals that may raise the likelihood of bronchitis symptoms and trouble breathing, as well as cancer-causing substances, posing a health danger (Gunnerson, 2022).
The efforts to promote smoke-free zones are, so far, being effective. However, I believe that we can still do better by educating smokers, both of vape and tobacco, about the danger of smoking to their health, as well as their loved ones.
References
CDC. (n.d.). Avoid Secondhand Smoke | Quit Guide | Quit Smoking | Tips From Former Smokers | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/guide/secondhand-smoke.html
CDC. (n.d.). Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Facts | Smoking & Tobacco Use | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/general_facts/index.htm
DOH. (n.d.). Tobacco Control Key Facts and Figures | Department of Health website. Tobacco Control Key Facts and Figures. https://doh.gov.ph/Tobacco-Control-Key-facts-and-Figures
Executive Order No. 26 s. 2017. (2017, May 16). Official Gazette. Retrieved September 4, 2022, from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2017/05/16/executive-order-no-26-s-2017/
Gunnerson, T. (2022, May 31). In secondhand vape, scientists smell risk. American Heart Association. Retrieved September 4, 2022, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/31/in-secondhand-vape-scientists-smell-risk
Smith, J. (2021). Why is smoking bad for you? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10566#cancer