Disposable models are the most commonly used e-cigarettes today. Now researchers present figures and demonstrate the trend among young people. Cancer experts call it “highly alarming” and are urgently calling for a ban.
The consumption of e-cigarettes in Germany is increasing according to an investigationand, above all, disposable models are in demand. This is what emerges from a survey by the University Hospital of Düsseldorf on smoking behavior, in which 92,327 people from all over Germany took part. “The consumption of disposable e-cigarettes in particular has increased significantly,” we read. They are particularly popular with younger people. The German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg calls for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes.
For the so-called Düsseldorfer Studio Debra Women and men aged between 14 and 99 were personally interviewed about their e-cigarette use from 2016 to 2023. Three different e-cigarette models are available in Germany: disposable e-cigarettes, which empty after around 600 puffs and are thrown away, the pod models, which are purchased with replaceable cartridges already filled and therefore reusable, and the Tank in models in which users themselves fill a tank for the liquid – this variant is also reusable.
“E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, a rapidly addictive neurotoxin,” the research team points out.
In 2016, the percentage of e-cigarette users nationwide was 1.6%, currently (2023), according to the Debra study, 2.2% of the population consumes e-cigarettes; During the period in question, the percentage of traditional cigarette smokers remained at a high level, around 30%.
Disposable e-cigarette models are the most used variant in Germany today. “We view this development with concern because disposable e-cigarettes are particularly popular among young people due to their properties, such as the large variety of flavors and their colorful design,” said researcher Stephanie Klosterhalfen from the Institute of General Medicine of ‘University hospital.
According to the data, people who use disposable e-cigarettes are on average about four years younger than people who use the tank variant or pod models. They are also more likely to be women and to combine e-cigarettes with smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes.
Further damage to the environment
“Young people in particular are at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine and suffering the consequences of consuming e-cigarettes and tobacco,” warned Daniel Kotz, addiction researcher and leader of the study. Stronger controls are urgently needed. Products should be taxed higher and their availability and visibility should be severely limited.
Expert Ute Mons from the Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) says that the habits of young people are “very alarming, since the risk of nicotine addiction is high and there is a risk of resulting damage to health – especially respiratory diseases such as asthma”.
The affordable purchase prices and variety of flavors make disposable offerings particularly attractive to young people, says Mgr. And: “The Youth Protection Act is obviously regularly undermined.” The legislator is responsible for adopting effective countermeasures.
“Furthermore, disposable e-cigarettes, which are designed as disposable products, are also highly questionable from the point of view of environmental policy. From the point of view of the German Cancer Research Center, it is therefore urgently necessary to ban e-cigarettes disposable.” as highlighted by Mons, head of the primary cancer prevention department of the DKFZ.
In previous statements, the Federal Environment Agency had spoken of a huge waste of resources, especially regarding disposable models. There is also a risk that the appliances are not disposed of in a correct and environmentally friendly way, but instead end up in public waste containers.
dpa/circle
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have Dr. Stephanie Klosterhalfen from the University Hospital of Düsseldorf joining us. Dr. Klosterhalfen, thank you for being here to discuss your recent findings on e-cigarette usage in Germany.
Dr. Stephanie Klosterhalfen (SK): Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to share our insights on this important topic.
TNE: Your research indicates a significant increase in the use of disposable e-cigarettes, particularly among young people. Can you elaborate on what you found?
SK: Absolutely. Our investigation involved 92,327 participants across Germany, and it revealed a concerning trend: the consumption of disposable e-cigarettes has risen sharply. These products, which are designed for single use, have become exceptionally popular due to their variety of flavors and visually appealing designs, especially among youths.
TNE: That’s alarming. Why do you think disposable models have taken off compared to other types of e-cigarettes?
SK: One reason is their convenience. Disposable e-cigarettes are easy to use and require no refilling or maintenance, which appeals to younger users. Additionally, their flavor options make them enticing, and many young people perceive them as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. Unfortunately, this perception can be misleading.
TNE: You mentioned that e-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, which can lead to addiction. Could you elaborate on the risks associated, particularly for the younger demographic?
SK: Certainly. Nicotine is a neurotoxin that affects brain development, especially in adolescents. Our findings indicate that users of disposable e-cigarettes tend to be, on average, four years younger than those who prefer pod models or traditional tank systems. This places younger users at greater risk of developing nicotine dependence, leading to potential long-term health consequences.
TNE: The German Cancer Research Center has called for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes. What motivated this call to action?
SK: Their concerns are rooted in the environmental impact and the danger posed to public health. Disposable e-cigarettes not only contribute to increased plastic waste but also pose serious health risks for young individuals who may not fully understand the addictive nature of these products. The urgency is to prevent a new generation from falling into the cycle of nicotine addiction.
TNE: With traditional cigarette smoking levels remaining steady at around 30%, how do you see the future of smoking behavior in Germany, particularly among young people?
SK: There’s a concerning correlation. Young people who use disposable e-cigarettes often combine them with traditional tobacco cigarettes, which means we’re potentially creating a new base of nicotine users. As e-cigarette consumption continues to rise, especially among youth, we must rethink our strategies for prevention and education on the risks of both vaping and smoking.
TNE: So, what steps can be taken to curb this trend among young people?
SK: Education is crucial. We need to ensure that young people understand the risks of nicotine and the addictive nature of e-cigarettes. Moreover, implementing stricter regulations on advertising and availability can help limit youth exposure to these products. A ban on disposable e-cigarettes, as advocated by some experts, could also be a significant step toward safeguarding public health.
TNE: It sounds like a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle this issue. Thank you, Dr. Klosterhalfen, for sharing your insights. It’s vital information for our readers as they navigate the complexities of vaping and smoking.
SK: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep this conversation going to protect the health of our youth and the environment.