Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes from January 1, citing health and environmental concerns, in a pioneering move for European Union member states. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced the ban, saying that disposable e-cigarettes have become a health risk by making it easier for teenagers to start smoking and become addicted to nicotine. "Disposable e-cigarettes are a new product simply designed to attract new consumers," Vandenbroucke said in an interview. "Nicotine makes you addicted, and it is bad for your health. These are facts." Beyond health risks, Vandenbroucke pointed to the environmental impact of the disposable devices, which are made of plastic and include batteries and circuits that contribute to hazardous waste. "They create hazardous waste chemicals still present in what people throw away," he said. The minister differentiated disposable e-cigarettes from reusable ones, which he described as potentially helpful tools for smokers looking to quit. Belgium's ban follows Australia's recent crackdown on vaping products, but it marks the first such prohibition in the European Union. Vandenbroucke urged the EU to modernize its tobacco legislation, calling on the European Commission to take stronger measures against tobacco and nicotine products. "We are the first country in Europe to do so," Vandenbroucke said. "We are really calling on the European Commission to come forward with new initiatives to update the tobacco legislation." The ban has found support among environmental advocates and even some shop owners. Steven Pomeranc, owner of the Brussels Vapotheque shop, highlighted the environmental problem posed by disposable e-cigarettes. "Once the cigarette is empty, the battery is still working. That's what is terrible, is that you could recharge it, but you have no way of recharging it. So you can imagine the level of pollution it creates," Pomeranc said. While bans often spell financial loss for businesses, Pomeranc expressed optimism that customers would transition to alternatives like pre-filled pods for rechargeable e-cigarettes. "We will simply have a shift of clients towards this new system," he added. — Agencies
