BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Belgium officially stepped into the spotlight as the first EU nation to ban the sale of disposable vapes, a move it hopes will protect young people from nicotine addiction and reduce environmental waste. The ban, which came into effect on January 1, was announced last year by Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, who did not mince words about the dangers posed by disposable electronic cigarettes.
“Disposable e-cigarettes are a new product simply designed to attract new consumers,” said Vandenbroucke, emphasizing their health risks and environmental toll. “Nicotine makes you addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is bad for your health.”
This bold decision coincides with Milan’s new outdoor smoking ban, also introduced on January 1, as the EU collectively tightens its grip on tobacco regulation.
A two-pronged justification: health and environment
Belgium’s ban on disposable vapes targets two key issues: public health and environmental sustainability. Vandenbroucke pointed to the hazardous waste chemicals contained in these cheap, single-use products, underscoring their significant ecological impact.
Belgium’s action echoes similar global measures. Australia, for example, restricted vape sales to pharmacies last year, and England plans to outlaw single-use vapes entirely by June 2025. Each of these steps reflects a growing international consensus to combat nicotine addiction and the environmental fallout from disposable vaping devices.
Vandenbroucke positioned Belgium as a trailblazer in this movement, stating, “We are playing a pioneering role in Europe to weaken the tobacco lobby.” He called for an update to EU laws to reflect modern challenges in tobacco control.
A broader mission to end smoking
Belgium’s vape ban is just one part of a larger mission to reduce smoking rates to near zero by 2040. The country rolled out an array of measures to discourage tobacco use, including banning smoking in playgrounds, sports fields, zoos, and theme parks. Starting in April, tobacco products will no longer be sold in large supermarkets or displayed at points of sale.
The numbers suggest progress. A 2018 Belgian Health Interview survey found that 15.3 percent of the population smoked daily, down from 25.5 percent in 1997. While the results of the 2023 survey, expected later this year, may show further declines, officials stress that continued action is critical to achieving their long-term goals.
Milan zones in on outdoor smoking
Meanwhile, Milan launched its own health and environmental initiative by extending its outdoor smoking ban to crowded streets and public spaces. Smokers caught lighting up in these areas face fines ranging from €40 to €240 (approximately $41 to $250).
The ban builds on earlier measures implemented in 2021, which prohibited smoking in parks, playgrounds, bus stops, and sports facilities. While e-cigarettes are exempt from Milan’s restrictions, the city’s officials emphasized the move is designed to improve air quality and protect public health.
Milan’s stance is particularly urgent given its location in the Po Valley, a region infamous for its air pollution. A 2023 investigation by The Guardian revealed that over one-third of the valley’s residents breathe air with particulate levels exceeding World Health Organization guidelines by a factor of four.
An international call to action
Belgium and Milan’s initiatives reflect a broader global shift toward curbing tobacco use and reducing the environmental impact of nicotine products. Italy, for instance, has been tackling smoking since 1975, gradually expanding its restrictions to include public transportation, government offices, and enclosed public areas.
Yet, challenges remain. Despite these measures, 24 percent of Italians continue to smoke, contributing to an estimated 93,000 tobacco-related deaths annually.
Belgium’s bold stance on disposable vapes and Milan’s crackdown on outdoor smoking are steps in the right direction, but they highlight the need for sustained international collaboration. As the EU explores tighter tobacco controls, these measures could serve as a blueprint for other nations looking to prioritize health and sustainability.
The message is clear: the fight against tobacco and nicotine addiction is far from over, but every ban, restriction, and regulation brings us one step closer to a healthier, cleaner future.
