Belgian pediatricians are concerned about the arrival of intelligent electronic cigarettes, or “smart vapes” in Belgium. A few days ago, Dutch doctors had already sounded the alarm about this new generation of electronic cigarettes available illegally in the Netherlands.[1].
“Smart vapes” stand out from classic electronic cigarettes with their advanced technologies. In addition to allowing vaping, they have a screen and offer options such as Bluetooth, receiving messages, the ability to make phone calls, and even play video games.
Products specifically designed to attract children
These products have touch screens, animated displays, speakers or even integrated video games likely to attract young people who are not yet consumers of vaping products, while reinforcing nicotine dependence among current users. . These devices are available in many flavors and at attractive prices.
Certain models particularly encourage consumption because the integrated games offer a ranking based on the number of puffs. The more you vape, the more you appear at the top of the ranking, establishing competition with other consumers. Scores can then be shared on social media and rewards are offered. In France, such devices are also on sale on French sites and offer games like the popular Tamagotchi from the 90s where you have to take care of a virtual animal. Vaping allows you to collect virtual coins to feed your pet.
Belgian health professionals are concerned about these new devices because they combine both nicotine consumption and digital activities popular among young people (video games, screens), making these products particularly attractive with a strengthening of dependence on these practices. already pointed out for their dependence nature.
Illegal devices
In Belgium, the sale of these devices in stores is prohibited but devices are sold “under the counter” and they are also easily accessible online despite the ban on the sale of vaping devices on the Internet. Belgian influencers are also promoting these devices on social networks.
For the president of the Belgian Academy of Pediatrics, Ann De Guchtenaere, the government must act quickly on this subject, especially since disposable electronic devices (puffs), very popular with young people, will be banned from sale in the country. from 1is January 2025[2] and these products are designed with substitution in mind.
These products also contain 20 ml e-liquid tanks while the legislation only allows 2 ml. This represents the equivalent of nearly 40,000 puffs, or 10x more than for a classic vape. Justine Cerise, spokesperson for Belgian Public Health also adds that these products are designed outside the European Union, often in China where “ safety, quality, product standards, etc., are much lower than in the EU. There is therefore no guarantee regarding product safety. »
Photo credit: Sanne Hammer
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[1] Tobacco-free generation, Netherlands: The arrival of “smart vapes” worries health professionals, published on October 24, 2024, consulted on October 29, 2024
[2] Céline Biourge, The Smart Vape: the new electronic cigarette, banned in Belgium, which risks making our teenagers addicted, RTBF, published on October 28, 2024, consulted on October 29, 2024
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