Belgian Well being Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said that low-cost digital cigarettes have develop into a well being menace as a result of they’re a straightforward method to get younger folks hooked on nicotine.
“Disposable e-cigarettes are a brand new product designed to draw youthful customers,” Vandenbroucke stated.
“E-cigarettes usually include nicotine. Nicotine makes you hooked on nicotine. Nicotine is dangerous on your well being. These are details,” he added.
Plastic, batteries and circuits develop into a burden on the surroundings as a result of they’re disposable. On prime of that, “persons are creating hazardous waste chemical compounds which are nonetheless current within the issues they throw away,” Vandenbroucke stated.
The Well being Minister stated he additionally focused single-use vapes as a result of reusable ones could possibly be a instrument to assist folks stop smoking if they’ll't discover one other manner.
As of January 1, 2024, Australia imposed the world's harshest restrictions on digital cigarettes, banning the sale of digital cigarettes exterior pharmacies. Now Belgium is main this initiative of the EU.
“We’re the primary nation in Europe to do that,” Vandenbroucke stated.
Vandenbroucke needs harder tobacco measures within the 27-nation bloc.
“We name on the European Fee to come back ahead with new initiatives to replace and modernize tobacco laws,” he stated.
Belgium's determination is met with understanding, particularly in environmental issues, even in some outlets promoting digital cigarettes.
A ban often means a monetary loss for the business, however Brussels Vapotheque store proprietor Steven Pomeranc stated he didn't suppose it will harm an excessive amount of.
“We’ve got many various options which are additionally very straightforward to make use of,” Pomeranc stated. “Like this pod system that’s pre-filled with liquid and may be hooked up to a chargeable e-cigarette. So our clients will shift in the direction of this new system.”
