Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS) confirmed that it has been proven that the use of vapers, or electronic cigarettes, causes deterioration of the respiratory tract, lung diseases, and erectile dysfunction in men.

Scientific studies have not yet shown that they could cause cancer as traditional cigarette use does.

Dr. Elías Bodden, a CSS urologist, said there are studies related to erectile dysfunction that show that young people, in their struggle to quit tobacco, are the most affected by vaping.

“Some electronic cigarettes, which contain nicotine, not only have this affectation in men but can also trigger decreased concentration and brain development,” he said.

Dr. José Serrano, a specialist in pulmonology at the CSS, stressed that the consumption of electronic cigarettes is "a poison disguised as recreational and social consumption. We have had cases of patients who inhale electronic cigarettes and end up coughing up blood."

Currently, in Panama, there is a law that prohibits the use, import, and commercialization of electronic nicotine administration systems, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, tobacco heaters, and other similar devices, with or without nicotine.