Taiwan to set up 431 vape surrender sites from Sept. 8

Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) A total of 431 sites where people can anonymously surrender illegal e-cigarette devices will be set up nationwide from Sept. 8, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) said Saturday.

As part of efforts to curb the circulation of the illegal narcotic etomidate, the Cabinet in June approved a draft amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act that would impose fines of between NT$30,000 (US$946) and NT$100,000 on individuals found in possession of e-cigarettes, which are banned in Taiwan.

The draft has been sent to the Legislative Yuan for review.

Lo Su-ying (羅素英), head of the HPA's Tobacco Control Division, said the collection points will be set up at local health bureaus and health centers nationwide from Sept. 8.

People can voluntarily turn in their e-cigarettes without providing their names or any personal information, Lo added.

The collection program is expected to continue for a one-month grace period once the amended law takes effect, Lo said.

After this period, those who continue to possess e-cigarettes will face fines and confiscation of their devices.

According to the HPA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and studies from multiple countries have found that e-cigarettes can release toxic substances, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ultrafine particles and heavy metals.

These substances can cause DNA damage, increase the risk of cancer and seriously affect adolescent brain development, potentially causing anxiety, learning difficulties and severe lung injuries, it explained.

The administration reminded the public that both smoking and e-cigarette use can harm health and encouraged people to quit as early as possible. Those seeking to quit smoking can call the toll-free smoking cessation hotline at 0800-636363 or access cessation services at nearly 3,000 contracted medical institutions nationwide, it added.