German Medical Association Calls for Ban on Disposable E-cigarettes

According to a report from Zeit, the medical association of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany has advocated for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes at a meeting held in Dusseldorf on November 18th.

The association points out that when e-liquid is heated, it produces aerosols that may harm the heart and respiratory system, as well as potentially trigger respiratory diseases and allergies. In addition, disposable e-cigarettes are typically discarded in regular trash bins rather than electronic waste recycling stations. Consequently, the plastic, metal, and lithium-ion batteries that come with them cause significant environmental pollution.

The association is calling for an immediate prohibition or at least restrictions on the production and sale of disposable e-cigarettes. According to the association's report, sales of e-cigarettes and disposable e-cigarettes have increased by 40% between 2021 and 2022.

Association President Rudolf Heng stated that the various shapes and vibrant colors of e-cigarettes primarily attract adolescent consumers. He called on legislators to better protect children, teenagers, and pregnant women from the harms of secondhand smoke.