Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities raises alarm on vape use
Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities warned the Troy City Council about the health and environmental harms of vaping and vape waste.Summary
At a Troy City Council public forum, representatives from Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities highlighted the dangers of vaping. Community Engagement Coordinator Simona Fish explained that standard no-smoking signs fail to discourage youth vaping, and that e-cigarette aerosol contains nicotine, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles harmful to bystanders. She also stressed the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which contain plastic, heavy metals, and lithium-ion batteries that do not biodegrade and can leach toxins into soil and water. Ashita Misra of Reality Check, a youth-led organization, focused on vape waste, describing disposable vapes as complex e-waste that poses fire hazards and environmental risks. A survey at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market showed most people hold consumers or tobacco producers accountable. Council President Sue Steele thanked the speakers and said she would work with the mayor and General Services Commissioner to improve disposal options, emphasizing the need to combat vaping with the same effort as tobacco smoking.
(Source：Troy Record)
