The French parliament has endorsed a proposal to prohibit disposable electronic cigarettes that pave the way for tobacco addiction for adolescents and are environmentally harmful. The National Assembly, the lower house, unanimously approved the bill on Monday night. However, it still requires support from the Senate and approval from the EU Commission.

These disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as "puffs," are favored by young people due to their high nicotine content, various flavors, and affordability. Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau emphasized their potential to lead to serious addiction, saying, "They're ridiculously cheap, the fruity and sugary flavors are attractive, and their small size makes them easy to hide from parents,"

Deputy Francesca Pasquini, who presented the draft law in November last year, remarked on the dangers, while co-sponsor Michel Lauzzana highlighted the National Academy of Medicine's characterization of puffs as a "sneaky trap," especially for children and teenagers.

The motion, backed by 166 members of parliament, has the support of Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who had previously called for a ban on single-use vaping devices. 

'Set an example'

Despite unanimous support for the bill, far-left lawmaker Rachel Keke urged the government to "set an example," a comment seemingly directed at Borne, who was often seen vaping during parliamentary debates.

Parliamentarians also raised concerns about the ecological impact of disposable e-cigarettes, with Rousseau labeling them an "environmental calamity." Pasquini noted their plastic and lithium content, requiring substantial amounts of oil and water produced under poor conditions worldwide.

As part of a broader government anti-smoking initiative, the measure will move to the Senate for approval. Subsequently, it requires clearance from the EU Commission, which will assess whether the ban is a "proportionate" response. If approved, the government aims for the ban to be effective by September 2024.

Read more: High lead and nickel found in illegal vapes

Europe rides the bandwaggon 

The UK government is also planning to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, to young people to prevent them from becoming addicted, The Telegraph newspaper reported in September.

On May 25, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the use of bright colors in the design of vaping devices, which he said are attractive to children. At present, 11.6% of children aged 11 to 17 in the UK have tried vaping, according to The Telegraph.

Similarly, draft legislation by the government in Portugal has been announced to limit tobacco sales and ban smoking in covered terraces and on the premises of schools, hospitals, and sports venues.

Health Minister Manuel Pizarro sees the proposals as an intention to tackle the use of tobacco rather than be a consequence to smokers or business owners. 

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