European nations are becoming increasingly serious about cracking down on smoking and vaping, especially among young people. Belgium has become the first country in the European Union to outright ban the sale of disposable vapes starting this month. At the same time, Italy’s Milan also ushered in the new year by implementing a ban on outdoor smoking in public spaces.
As reported by The Guardian, Belgian health minister Frank Vandenbroucke didn’t mince words when announcing the prohibition last year, calling disposable e-cigarettes an “extremely harmful” product designed to hook a new generation on nicotine. He cited the waste from the non-reusable vapes as being packed with “hazardous chemicals” that damage the environment.
Good. But for the wrong reason. Most, if not all, have lithium ion batteries in them. Meaning they all have rare earth materials in them and they get disposed and not properly recycled.
I hope other countries will follow suit, but for the right reason.
Both reasons are valid. Reducing nicotine use and reducing hazardous waste that is difficult to recycle.
If tobacco products are not banned, don’t ban vapes. Vape is a less harmful alternative to tobacco products.
They didn’t flat out ban vapes, they banned disposable vapes. You can still get the refillable vapes and e-juice for them.
Its like a single use bag ban. You can still bring your reusable bag to the store and use it, they won’t be giving you any dispoable bags though.
You’re right. Fuck disposable vapes either way.