BELGIUM has become the first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarettes, a move aimed at protecting young people’s health. Starting 1 January, the sale of single-use vapes will be prohibited as part of Belgium’s national anti-tobacco plan. With the European Union aiming to create a tobacco-free generation by 2040, the ban on disposable vapes is seen as a significant step towards reducing smoking rates across the 27-nation bloc.
Vapes, often promoted as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, have gained immense popularity, especially among young people. Their appealing flavours, such as apple, watermelon, and cola, along with their sleek, disposable design, make them highly attractive. However, critics argue that these vapes, despite being marketed as safer, still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. There are growing concerns that the use of disposable vapes may serve as a gateway to smoking traditional tobacco products.
Health experts warn that nicotine consumption is particularly damaging to the adolescent brain, potentially leading to longterm addiction and increasing the likelihood of using other drugs. Additionally, the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which contribute to significant plastic waste, has also sparked concern.
AFP
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