Belgium will prohibit the sale of disposable e-cigarettes starting 1 January, citing health and environmental concerns. The move is seen as a groundbreaking step within the European Union.
Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke emphasized the risks posed by cheap disposable e-cigarettes, particularly their appeal to teenagers, who may be drawn into smoking and develop nicotine addiction.
“Disposable e-cigarettes are specifically designed to attract new consumers,” the minister stated, adding, “Nicotine is addictive and harmful to health. These are facts.”
In addition to health concerns, the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes is significant. Their plastic components, batteries, and circuits contribute to environmental pollution, while the hazardous waste chemicals they leave behind pose further risks, Vandenbroucke concluded.
