Belgium urges stricter EU vaping rules
Belgium's health minister is pushing for tighter EU regulations on vaping due to health risks and youth usage.Summary
Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has called for stricter European Union regulations on vaping, citing growing health concerns and increasing popularity among young people. Vandenbroucke described vaping as an “epidemic” and accused the vaping industry of deliberately targeting youth. He highlighted that e-cigarettes contain numerous ingredients, including potentially harmful metals and chemical compounds. Specifically, he advocated for stricter EU-wide controls on the substances used in vapes, a ban on disposable e-cigarettes – already implemented in Belgium – and limits on flavors, suggesting a model similar to the Netherlands’ restriction to tobacco flavor only. EU Commissioner Michael McGrath acknowledged the significance of the problem and emphasized the need for enhanced European cooperation, improved research utilization, and better coordination among national authorities. The European Commission is anticipated to propose updated market surveillance rules later this year.
(Source：Anadolu Ajansı)
