Read articles from Belgium

January 02, 2025 by ft.com

Belgium on Wednesday became the first EU country to ban sales of disposable vapes, as governments across the continent try to reverse growing e-cigarette use among younger people. England, France and Germany are planning tighter regulations, but experts warn such moves are likely to have only limited impact on the rapidly growing industry.

January 02, 2025 by theguardian.com

Belgium banned disposable vape sales to curb nicotine addiction and protect the environment. Health Minister Vandenbroucke emphasized the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, leading the country in European efforts against smoking. In Milan, outdoor smoking bans aim to enhance air quality and health, with fines up to €240. Italy's smoking rate remains at 24%, causing 93,000 annual deaths. Anti-smoking measures date back to 1975 and continue, with the Po Valley facing severe air pollution. Nations like Australia and England are also implementing strict measures against smoking, aiming to reduce tobacco use and environmental harm by targeting disposable vapes and smoking in public areas.

December 30, 2024 by euronews.com

Belgium will ban the sale of disposable vapes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a ground-breaking move for the EU. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke raised concerns over the health and environmental risks posed by disposable e-cigarettes. He emphasized that these inexpensive products are designed to attract new consumers, particularly teenagers, who may become addicted to nicotine—a substance harmful to health. Additionally, the disposable nature of these e-cigarettes contributes to environmental pollution through plastic waste, batteries, and hazardous chemicals, further exacerbating their negative impact.

December 30, 2024 by scmp.com

Belgium will ban disposable e-cigarette sales starting January 1 due to health and environmental concerns. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke emphasized the risk of addiction to nicotine in these products, especially for teenagers. The disposable nature of these e-cigarettes contributes to environmental issues, creating hazardous waste. Vandenbroucke believes reusable e-cigarettes can be a better option for smoking cessation.

December 30, 2024 by morningstaronline.co.uk

Belgium will prohibit disposable e-cigarette sales from January 1 for health and environmental reasons. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke highlighted the threat of teens getting addicted to nicotine. He emphasized that disposable e-cigarettes attract new users and contain harmful substances. Due to their disposal, they contribute to environmental waste. Vandenbroucke prefers reusable e-cigarettes as aids for quitting smoking. Australia has already restricted vape sales, and Belgium leads the EU in this move, urging the European Commission to update tobacco legislation.

December 30, 2024 by politico.eu

Belgium implements Europe's first vape ban, joining Australia and the UK in restrictions. Health Minister Vandenbroucke urges the EU to update tobacco laws, supported by 12 member countries including France and Germany. The ban excludes reusable vapes to aid smoking cessation. Vapotheque shop owner Pomeranc believes sales will not suffer as rechargeable vapes remain an option.

December 30, 2024 by report.az

Belgium will be the first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarette sales from January 1, citing health risks for teenagers and environmental concerns. Health Minister Vandenbroucke highlighted the addictive nature of nicotine in cheap e-cigarettes, targeting new consumers and causing harm to health. The disposable nature of these e-cigarettes also poses environmental challenges due to plastic waste and hazardous chemicals. This move sets a precedent among EU nations to address the negative impacts of disposable e-cigarettes.

December 29, 2024 by npr.org

Belgium is set to become the first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarettes starting January 1. Health and environmental concerns have prompted this decision, with Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke citing the health risks associated with nicotine and the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarette waste. The move aims to prevent teenagers from getting addicted to nicotine and reduce pollution. Reusable e-cigarettes are seen as a better alternative for smokers trying to quit. This decision follows similar stringent restrictions in Australia. Despite potential financial impacts on the industry, alternative solutions like rechargeable e-cigarettes are expected to mitigate losses and attract customers to more sustainable options.

December 19, 2024 by straitstimes.com

Belgium will be the first EU country to ban disposable vape sales in January due to concerns about youth use and environmental impact. The country aims to tackle the rise in young smokers starting with e-cigarettes, enforcing that vapes cannot be sold to those under 18. While some view vapes as a tool to quit smoking, the attraction of colorful designs and flavors to children is worrisome. A 2022 WHO survey found a significant increase in Belgian teens using vapes. Germany and France are also working on bans, and Britain will follow in June. The ban aims to reduce plastic waste and chemical pollution from disposable vapes.

December 19, 2024 by bluewaterhealthyliving.com

Belgium will be the first EU country to ban disposable vapes in January to combat youth usage and environmental harm. The move is part of the country's anti-tobacco efforts given concerns about e-cigarettes attracting new young smokers. While some believe vapes aid smoking cessation, health authorities worry about appealing designs and flavors for children. The ban aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use vapes containing plastics and non-rechargeable batteries. Other EU countries like Germany and France are also considering bans. Belgium hopes the measure will promote reusable vapes.