The Impact of E-Cigarettes on the Environment and Health

According to a report by GlobalVoices on August 8th, e-cigarettes (vapes) have flooded the African market, particularly in Nigeria and Burkina Faso, but neither government has implemented a proper e-cigarette waste disposal plan.

E-cigarette products are flooding the markets in these countries, being widely sold in supermarkets and local shops, with some even being sold online through WhatsApp groups in schools.

E-cigarette products contain 2% to 5% nicotine, which is considered to be a high nicotine content. Due to the lack of a waste disposal plan for e-cigarettes, disposable e-cigarettes are being casually discarded in public places, sometimes even thrown into rivers, causing environmental impact.

Research shows that the aerosol of e-cigarettes contains carcinogenic substances such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, and some flavors of e-cigarette e-liquid may be toxic to lung cells and potentially disrupt the immune system.

In 2019, there was an epidemic of lung injuries related to e-cigarette use (EVALI) in the United States, resulting in many hospitalizations and deaths. Illegally manufactured hydrocarbons and vitamin E acetate in e-cigarettes are believed to be the main causes of the illness.

Many African parents are not familiar with e-cigarettes, so when their children start using these products, they are unaware of the dangers involved.

While Nigeria and Burkina Faso prohibit the use of tobacco products by individuals under the age of 18, the tobacco laws in these countries do not specifically mention or regulate the use of e-cigarettes.

The damage caused by e-cigarettes to the environment includes air and water pollution: nicotine and other toxins easily dissolve in water, harming fish and biodiversity. The harm to the human body caused by e-cigarettes includes irritating the throat and mouth, coughing, runny nose, and respiratory infections.

The European Union has strict regulations on e-cigarettes, including limits on nicotine content, product registration and ingredient disclosure, as well as restrictions on sales and advertising to minors.

In 2015, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed the National Tobacco Control Act, but the law has not been effectively implemented. In early 2024, the civil society organization ACONTA in Burkina Faso discussed with the Ministry of Health the issue of strengthening tobacco control legislation, including incorporating emerging products like e-cigarettes into the legislation.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of the African Coalition for Tobacco Control and Poverty Alleviation (CAPPA), emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to protect its people, especially children, from the harm of e-cigarettes, and advocated for the implementation of strict tobacco laws.