The study titled Rapid growth in disposable e‐cigarette vaping among young adults in Great Britain from 2021 to 2022 by Harry Tattan-Birch and colleagues provides a comprehensive analysis of the increasing prevalence of disposable e-cigarettes in Great Britain. Drawing from a cross-sectional survey conducted with over 36,000 adults, the research explores age-specific trends in vaping and highlights the rapid adoption of disposable e-cigarettes, particularly among younger demographics.

The study reveals a dramatic 18-fold increase in the percentage of vapers using disposable e-cigarettes, rising from 1.2% in early 2021 to 22.2% by April 2022. This growth was most pronounced among younger adults, with the prevalence among 18-year-old vapers surging from 0.4% to 54.8%. In contrast, older age groups showed comparatively modest increases. Interestingly, despite this rise, the overall prevalence of inhaled nicotine use (including vaping and smoking) remained stable during the study period.

While the study emphasises behavioural trends, it also indirectly raises significant environmental concerns. Disposable e-cigarettes often contain lithium-ion batteries and plastic components, contributing to the growing issue of electronic waste. The increased use of disposable vaping products among younger adults suggests a potential escalation in improper disposal practices, exacerbating environmental pollution.

At Green Wings Project, we view this data as a crucial call to action. As disposable e-cigarettes continue to gain popularity, their environmental footprint becomes increasingly alarming. By advocating for sustainable disposal practices and promoting awareness, we aim to mitigate the negative impacts highlighted in this study. Our initiatives, such as recycling programs and collaborations with policymakers, align closely with the findings, emphasizing the importance of addressing the dual challenges of public health and environmental sustainability.

This study underlines the urgent need for comprehensive solutions, from consumer education to stricter regulations, to curb the environmental toll of disposable e-cigarettes. For more insights, read the full article here.

Feature Image by Markus Spiske via Unsplash

About Green Wings Project

Established in 2022, Green Wings Project is a charity organisation that aims to promote, for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment through promoting, identifying and advancing solutions for recycling, reuse and harmless disposal of disposable/single-use electronic products. Currently, we are running a focused initiative on disposable vape recycling.