The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), a leading German environmental and consumer protection organization, has welcomed the federal government's recent announcement to ban single-use e-cigarettes (disposable vapes). Citing significant environmental and health risks, the DUH is urging for the ban's immediate implementation.
The organization calls on Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) to lead the prohibition by amending the Tobacco Products Ordinance on health grounds, a path already taken by other EU nations like France and Belgium. DUH Federal Director Barbara Metz emphasized that a broad alliance has been pushing for this ban for years. "We therefore welcome the announced ban, but it must be introduced quickly," Metz stated, noting that the harmful substances in disposable vapes can cause cancer and damage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
The DUH argues that protecting public health justifies amending the ordinance and also calls for support from Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU), given his ministry's authority over tobacco products and liquids.
