Unmasking the Toxicity: The Environmental Harm of Smoking and Vaping
About the Author
Harper Johnson is a fourth-year nursing student at the University of Manitoba and participated in MANTRA’s community practicum placement program.
Public discourse on the consequences of commercial tobacco use and vaping has long focused on the human health impacts. Sadly, their effect on the environment is often overlooked.
From deforestation to pollution, the production, consumption, and disposal of commercial tobacco and vape products take a toll on our planet. We explore the many ways in which tobacco and vaping harm the environment and why it is crucial to address these issues and protect not just people but the planet.
Tobacco farming and deforestation
Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing habitat for diverse ecosystems. However, big tobacco and vaping companies are large producers of carbon dioxide emissions.
Further, the cultivation of commercial tobacco requires large amounts of land and contributes to deforestation in many countries.
The clearing of land for tobacco farming disrupts ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and exacerbating climate change. The National Cancer Institute outlined that hundreds of thousands of hectares are likely cleared annually for tobacco production; this is more common in poorer countries.
Rechargeable batteries in single-use vapes
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power vaping devices. Tin the disposable vapes sold every year amounts to 23.6 tons, about the same amount needed to power 2,600 electric vehicles. These batteries (along with other vape components) are often thrown away after one use, so batteries that could be recharged numerous times in vehicles are wasted on one-time-use vaping products.
Improper disposal of these batteries also poses a significant environmental threat. When batteries break down in landfills, they release toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. These substances can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain.
Despite the information about the harms of vaping, there has been an increase in use and an increase in waste. Many vape and tobacco companies have partnered with disposal companies to offer a recycling option; however, vape stores use these recycling programs as a tactic to give away free vapes as a reward.
Chemical pollution from production to consumption
The production and processing of commercial tobacco involves the use of various chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals contaminate the soil and seep into nearby water sources, causing water pollution. Runoff from tobacco fields can introduce harmful substances into rivers and lakes, posing a threat to aquatic life and compromising water quality for humans and wildlife.
The National Cancer Institute notes that companies are finding ways to use harmful chemicals banned in other areas of the world, like the insecticide methamidophos, a known carcinogen, which is still used in low-income countries.
The liquids used in vapes, often referred to as e-liquids or vape juices, contain a mix of chemicals, including nicotine, flavours, and propylene glycol. When vaped, these substances are released not only into the user's lungs but also into the environment. As a result, outdoor and indoor air quality can be compromised. These chemicals are also very harmful to animals and vegetation in the environment and have been shown to cause behavioural issues in pets and wildlife.
The long-term impact of these emissions on air quality and respiratory health is an area of growing concern, and further research is still required to fully understand its impact.
Waste pollution from cigarettes & vapes
Cigarette butts are among the most littered items worldwide. Despite being small, they have a significant environmental impact.
Cigarette filters themselves primarily consist of cellulose acetate, a synthetic polymer that is resistant to biodegradation, making cigarette butts significant sources of fibrous plastic pollution to the environment. The chemicals in discarded cigarette butts can leach into soil and water, making their way into water systems and posing a threat to plant, aquatic, and human life.
Vaping products, such as disposable e-cigarettes and pods, contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis. The plastic components of these devices can take years to break down, harming wildlife and ecosystems. The inappropriate disposal of e-cigarettes, like many electronic consumer devices, contributes a significant source of toxic metals to both land and water environments. Since these plastics only deteriorate into smaller pieces, wildlife and even people have been found to have alarming amounts of plastic in their systems.
Resource extraction and manufacturing
The production of vaping devices requires the extraction of raw materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. The extraction of metals and other resources contributes to habitat destruction, deforestation, and increased carbon emissions.
Big tobacco and Big Vape companies often hire people in poorer countries with false hope of better work opportunities. However, these people are often exploited, working in subpar conditions and offered low pay. The National Cancer Institute indicates that many people are forced to work in precarious economic conditions to support their households. This includes paying school fees for their children and healthcare costs for their families, placing them under pressure to maximize production.
The carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing and transportation of vaping products adds to the overall environmental impact, when many companies advertise that they are trying to reduce their footprint.
Manufacturing tobacco and vape products contributes to air pollution and energy consumption. Production releases greenhouse gases and other atmospheric pollutants, contributing to climate change.
Additionally, the packaging of these products often involves non-biodegradable materials, contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis.
Along with other countries, Canada plays a part in mining the metals required to make vape batteries. Nickel is one of the four main metals needed for these batteries. Manitoba is one of the provinces that provides this metal through its mines in the north. Cobalt is another necessary element for these batteries, and it is sourced and refined in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, and Labrador. These mines may not be directly affiliated with Big Tobacco or Vape companies; however, they may be indirectly contributing to the problem.
What Next?
While the health risks of vaping and commercial tobacco use have been a topic of concern, the environmental consequences of this industry cannot be overlooked. From deforestation, electronic waste and battery pollution to chemical emissions and plastic waste, vaping and cigarettes pose a multifaceted threat to the environment.
As awareness grows, there is an urgent need for responsible manufacturing, recycling initiatives, and proper disposal methods to reduce the toxic impact of vaping and tobacco on our planet. Individuals, regulatory bodies, and the commercial tobacco industry must collaborate for sustainable solutions prioritizing public health and environmental well-being.