A Toxic, Plastic Problem, E-cigarette Waste and the Environment

E-cigarettes not only pose substantial health risks to youth and young adults, they pose a significant environmental threat. E-cigarette waste is potentially a more serious environmental threat than cigarette butts since e-cigarettes introduce plastic, nicotine salts, heavy metals, lead, mercury, and flammable lithium-ion batteries into waterways, soil, and to wildlife. Unlike cigarette butts, e-cigarette waste won’t biodegrade even under severe conditions. E-cigarettes left on the street eventually break down into microplastics and chemicals that flow into the storm drains to pollute our waterways and wildlife. For more detailed information see the latest Truth Initiative Report.

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