Belgium is the first European country to ban the complete sale of disposable vapes. From January 1, 2025, a restriction on electronic cigarettes will apply, which is part of a broader approach to reduce the number of young people smoking. According to the Belgian government vaping very addictive, and young people are starting to use it earlier and earlier.
There were Belgian plans to restrict the sale of all vapes, but regular e-cigarettes will still be on the shelves in the new year. Minister of Health Franck Vandenbroucke said about this against broadcaster VRT that such vapes can also help you quit smoking.
Vandenbroucke says he draws the dividing line between additions that make the vapes attractive to young people, such as lights and fruit flavors. “It should not be a product to learn to smoke, but to stop smoking.”
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Disposable vapes have been introduced by the tobacco industry as an attractive alternative to cigarettes. Thanks to a vape, you can quit smoking more easily, was the promise of many companies. But it now appears that vapes can be just as addictive and that e-cigarette users are a lot younger than regular smokers. They start with a vape and often switch to a cigarette later.
The elongated e-cigarettes have a mouthpiece, heating element and a liquid mixed with nicotine, which provides an addictive effect. The vapes do not contain tobacco; In contrast to that of normal cigarettes, the smell is less noticeable in public and therefore easier to carry out in public.
Concerns from science
There have been serious concerns within science about the consequences of vaping for young people for some time. Some vapes contain more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes, which makes them very addictive. According to experts, it is especially dangerous for young people because nicotine addiction can lead to damage to brain development. In the shorter term, less concentration and fitness, sore throat and a lot of coughing are possible consequences.
For the reasons mentioned above, Australia decided last year to ban the import of disposable vapes. According to Australia’s health minister, vapes have created “a whole new generation of nicotine addicts” in the country. In Australia, only therapeutic e-cigarettes are now allowed, which, for example, contain cannabis as a medicinal effect.
In the Netherlands, stores are no longer allowed to sell flavored vapes since January 1, 2024. This measure was also imposed to reduce addiction among young people. However, such vapes are still available through the illegal trade.
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