Despite a year-long ban on disposable e-cigarettes ("puffs") in Belgium, these harmful products remain widely accessible and popular among adolescents, some as young as 11. Illegal sales persist, with authorities finding non-compliant vapes in nearly 60% of Brussels inspections. Health experts warn of severe addiction risks and unknown long-term effects.
Key Takeaways:
- Illegal Market: Nearly 600 fines issued in 2025; illegal vapes found in ~60% of Brussels checks.
- Youth Appeal: Colorful designs and sweet flavors act as a "21st-century lollipop," attracting primary schoolers.
- Hidden Dangers: High nicotine content (one puff device ≈ two cigarette packs) fuels rapid addiction.
- Health Risks: Early nicotine exposure harms developing brains and increases future addiction susceptibility.
Disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as "puffs," refer to single-use vaping devices that have been banned from sale in Belgium for a year due to their environmental impact and health risks. However, despite the prohibition, these colorful, flavored devices continue to circulate widely, ensnaring a new generation of users, some as young as elementary school age.
The Persistence of the Illegal Market
Enforcement efforts in 2025 have been significant but reveal a stubborn problem. Authorities have issued nearly 600 citations for the sale of disposable vapes, leading to the closure of 18 shops. In Brussels alone, inspections uncovered illegal vaping products in nearly 60% of cases. This widespread availability suggests that the ban has not yet succeeded in cutting off the supply to adolescents.
The "21st Century Lollipop": Luring Younger Children
Martial Bodo, a psychologist and tobacco specialist at the Institut Jules Bordet, describes the situation as a regression in the fight against smoking. He highlights a disturbing trend: the age of initiation is dropping. "I have young people who started using puffs at 11 years old, in primary school," Bodo explains. The appeal lies in the product's design—invisible, comfortable, easy to use, discreet, and packed with enticing aromas. He aptly terms the puff "the lollipop of the 21st century."
Invisible Consumption and Potent Addiction
Another major concern is the difficulty in gauging consumption. Unlike a pack of 20 cigarettes, which provides a clear measure, a puff device offers "quantity invisibility," akin to drinking from a large cask where intake is hard to track. This leads to users underestimating the amount of nicotine they are ingesting.
Behind the innocent-sounding flavors like cotton candy or wild berries lies a potent dose of nicotine. One puff device can contain as much nicotine as two packs of cigarettes. Renaud Louis, head of Pneumology at CHU Liège, reminds us that nicotine induces addiction and potential side effects. "Indulging in this consumption means becoming addicted to something," he warns. Furthermore, the long-term safety of inhaling these flavoring agents remains unknown, though regular users are already showing increased respiratory symptoms.
Bodo emphasizes the grave risks for young, developing brains (11-13 years old). Studies show that early addiction increases the likelihood of future substance abuse issues. "It is a hard drug that ruins the consumer's life," he concludes, pointing out that cardiovascular disease, not just cancer, is a major killer linked to tobacco and nicotine use.
Tech Reviewer & Vape Enthusiast
Rohan Sharma is a dynamic and analytical voice in the Indian vaping landscape, blending his passion for technology with a deep understanding of the global vape market. Based in Bangalore, India's tech hub, Rohan leverages his IT background to dissect the intricate details of vaping devices, from chipset performance to coil longevity. His content aims to empower the growing Indian vaping community with precise, data-driven reviews and practical advice.