An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that ejects vaporised solution for inhalation. It usually contains nicotine, the addictive substance in regular cigarettes, along with other flavouring agents and chemicals, including heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead. While e-cigarettes could potentially help adults quit smoking, they are not safe for youth, pregnant women, or non-smokers. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative, e-cigarettes have been misrepresented, leading to increased usage among young adults.

Waste management has become a critical global issue. The increasing use of e-cigarettes has introduced a new form of waste, consisting of e-liquid containers, cartridges with nicotine, and devices containing lithium-ion batteries. A 2017 study in Bangladesh reported a 0.2% prevalence of e-cigarette use, while a 2020 survey indicated that 31.27% of university students had tried e-cigarettes.

The popularity of vaping is growing in Bangladesh - according to Mr Schumann Zaman, president of the Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA). He cited a study by Public Health England (PHE) claiming that vaping was 95% safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. However, this claim remains controversial.

E-cigarettes generally have three main components: a lithium-ion battery, a heating element, and a nicotine liquid cartridge, often flavoured. They come in reusable and disposable forms, with approximately 53% of vapes sold being disposable.

Disposable vapes, which are single-use, contribute significantly to waste as they are discarded once depleted. Concentrated nicotine is harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin, and these devices often end up in landfills, where their components can release toxic substances such as heavy metals into the environment.

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and combust, adding further risk. Disposing of e-liquid in regular trash is hazardous to both humans and animals and can damage the environment.

Landfills, especially older ones, may not contain these toxins properly, leading to contamination of soil and water. Leachate, formed when rainwater filters through e-waste, can pollute underground water sources, harming both health and agriculture. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in rechargeable e-cigarettes, also pose significant disposal challenges due to their potential to catch fire and explode.

The disposal of e-cigarette waste is further complicated by the fact that newer models often come with built-in batteries, making proper recycling difficult. Incineration is the most common disposal method, but it releases harmful emissions and further harms the environment.

In the UK, research by Material Focus found that a third of the almost half a billion vapes purchased annually end up in landfills, contributing to significant environmental damage. Disposable vapes, in particular, are a major problem, with millions discarded each week.

In Bangladesh, e-waste recycling often occurs informally, exposing workers to harmful substances. Toxicants from e-waste contaminate the land, and the health risks related to this informal recycling process are a growing concern.

To manage e-cigarette waste effectively, Bangladesh must implement regulations to control the production, sale, and disposal of e-cigarettes. The government should amend tobacco control laws to prohibit e-cigarettes, ensuring the protection of public health and the environment. This measure is necessary to safeguard future generations from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and vaping.

The writers are MPH students at American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) and adjunct faculty, respectively.

Email: abeda.mishu@gmail.com, AIajfaisel@gmail.com