Belgium calls for tougher EU rules on vaping

Belgium’s health minister has urged the European Union to take stronger action on vaping, warning of growing health risks.

Frank Vandenbroucke made the call during a visit by EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath to Sciensano in Brussels.

Vandenbroucke said vaping is becoming an “epidemic” and accused the industry of targeting young people. He warned that e-cigarettes contain thousands of ingredients, as well as metals and new chemical compounds created when heated, which may pose health risks.

He is calling for stricter EU-wide rules on what substances are allowed in vapes, and a ban on disposable e-cigarettes across the bloc. Such a ban is already in place in Belgium. He also wants limits on flavours, similar to rules in the Netherlands where only tobacco flavour is permitted.

^{EU commissioner for Consumer Protection Michael McGrath © BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS}

McGrath said the scale of the problem is significant and called for better cooperation across Europe. After seeing lab tests at Sciensano, he said the EU should make better use of existing research and improve coordination between national authorities.

The European Commission is expected to propose updated market surveillance rules later this year.

^{© Alastair Pike / AFP}