Unmasking the Dangers of Vaping
This story will appear in Elkhart High School’s upcoming August publication focused on environmental issues. We thank ‘The Pennant’ for permission to run this story prior to that publication.
Vapes are… bad. This sentiment is not uncontested, even by the biggest vape “fiends” (better known as addicts).
Although vapes – formally known as e-cigarettes – were first introduced to the U.S. in 2007, single-use vapes have now hooked the nation’s youth. First made in 2019, disposable vapes quickly gained popularity among teens, especially here in the United States. Unfortunately, their popularity has only expanded since, with 1-in-10 middle and high school students across the nation admitting they had recently used a tobacco product – with disposable vapes being the most commonly used tobacco product.
Despite their popularity, it has become common knowledge that these vapes have immensely harmful effects on the lungs, heart, and even brain development. Unfortunately, many continue to use vapes regardless of these risks to their personal health. However, what is less common knowledge is that these vapes are harmful not only to oneself but the environment around them, as well.
But, just how can a product designed for personal consumption become a threat to the environment?
The environmental harm of disposable vapes begins with their construction–which includes plastics; heavy metals, like lead, nickel, and cadmium; as well as lithium-ion batteries. In the U.K. alone, it is estimated that 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week, and this has come with significant harm. These vape components are hazardous and can leach into the environment if not disposed of properly, contaminating soil and waterways, and posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
The lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are a significant concern as they can cause fires if damaged or improperly handled, further endangering waste management facilities and the natural environment. Instances of battery fires in garbage and recycling centers have been reported, The lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are a significant concern, as they can cause fires if damaged or improperly handled, further endangering waste management facilities and the natural environment. In fact, instances of battery fires in American garbage and recycling centers have been reported as a result of thrown-out vapes.
Photo by Renz Macorol, courtesy of Pexels.
In Elkhart, Indiana, Borden Waste-Away Service member, Timothy Piper, reported, “The lithium battery from vapes can cause real problems if they aren’t taken care of properly. We’ve had multiple fires in our transfer building as a result of the lithium batteries. In fact, if our facility isn’t managed properly, and we don't have people making sure that none of the waste impacts the surrounding environment, it could even damage the soil. Unfortunately, these vapes aren’t always disposed of properly.”
But, why are these batteries not being disposed of or recycled properly? Piper answers: “Some vape manufacturers actually include these separate boxes to send the vapes back when they are empty, and they dismantle them themselves. While Elkhart doesn’t have this, there are some designated centers that deal with only vape disposal. I think that it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to properly dispose of them, however. And, it is the customer’s responsibility to limit their vape usage to prevent the amount of vapes that have to be disposed of.”
Recycling these hazardous materials is theoretically feasible. But, in practice, it is challenging. The small size and complex compositions of disposable vapes make them difficult to take apart and dismantle. As a result, recycling them is often not feasible. Consequently, a vast majority end up in landfills or, worse, littered in natural settings, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, continuously releasing toxic substances.
Moreover, the manufacturing and disposal of disposable vapes contribute to carbon emissions and the depletion of precious resources. The production process is energy-intensive, relying on the extraction and processing of metals and other materials, which further exacerbates the environmental footprint of these devices.
In order to address the threats posed by disposable vapes — both to personal health and the environment — several countries have taken action. Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil, for instance, have prohibited the sale and use of e-cigarettes, hoping to prevent youth usage and reduce vape waste. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively reviewing and regulating the market for e-cigarettes and vapes, such banning flavors and colorful aesthetics that appeal to youth in vapes, though disposable vapes have presented a regulatory challenge. But, by restricting access to these products, society can significantly decrease the potential health issues, particularly among the youth.
In addition, these bans and regulations play a major role in reducing the environmental impact of disposable vapes. Fewer disposable vapes on the market means less electronic waste contaminating landfills and natural habitats, less pollution from the manufacturing process, and a reduction in the depletion of valuable resources used in their production. And, by embracing these measures, society is taking significant steps towards protecting its youth’s well-being and protecting this planet for future generations.
For more information regarding restricting youth vape use, see more here.
