In recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of electronic vaporizers, commonly known as e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or vapes, in Singapore, despite their prohibition. The appeal of vaping among many young individuals stems from the perception of it being trendy and safe, while proponents argue that it aids smokers in quitting traditional cigarettes.
Drawbacks of Vaping
E-vaporizers are acknowledged for containing harmful substances, including fine particulate matter (PM), cancer-causing agents like carbonyls, and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene. Moreover, these devices have been found to harbor dangerous heavy metals like tin, lead, and nickel, inherently posing risks to one’s health.
Despite their attractive packaging, vibrant designs, and enticing sweet flavors intended to mask health hazards, the primary purpose of e-vaporizers is nicotine delivery, a highly addictive substance.
The consumption of nicotine can result in immediate side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and, in severe instances, symptoms like sweating, nausea, and diarrhea.
Beyond immediate health risks, nicotine exposure during adolescence may have lasting effects on impulse control, negatively affecting the developing brain’s learning and focus capabilities, and contributing to mood disorders.
For more detailed information about the dangers of e-vaporizers, refer to HealthHub’s resources here and here.
Comprehensive Strategy to Address Youth Vaping
The Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Board, Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and Ministry of Education have adopted a multifaceted strategy encompassing legislation, public education, counseling, and enforcement. Positive social support from friends and family is also encouraged to deter youth from engaging in vaping.
HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch administers and enforces the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA). Since February 1, 2018, the purchase, possession, and use of emerging and imitation tobacco products, including e-vaporizers, have been prohibited. This complements previous restrictions on the importation, sale, and distribution of such products.
HSA collaborates closely with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority to prevent the smuggling of e-vaporizers through checkpoints and online orders. They monitor local online retail platforms, social media, and messaging apps for potential illegal sales of prohibited products and work with e-commerce sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Carousell to promptly remove listings upon detection.
Penalties
Under the Act, individuals convicted of selling, offering for sale, possessing for sale, importing, or distributing e-vaporizers may face fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months for the first offense. For subsequent offenses, the penalties may increase to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Those convicted of possessing, using, or purchasing e-vaporizers may be liable for fines not exceeding $2,000.
Enforcement Statistics In 2022, over 2,600 e-vaporizer-related posts were removed from online platforms. Between 2018 and 2022, 860 individuals were apprehended for selling and smuggling e-vaporizers, with 145 facing prosecution in the same period.
The table below outlines the number of individuals caught for the use and possession of e-vaporizers from 2020 to 2022:
| Year | Number of People Caught |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,266 |
| 2021 | 4,697 |
| 2022 | 4,916 |
What to Do if You Encounter Vaping or E-Vaporizer Sales
Members of the public can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday).
HSA: Health Science Authority
Link to the HSA Annoucement: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/articles/details/vaping-enforcement-in-singapore
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