Environmental and Health Impacts of Disposable E-Cigarette Waste: A Meta-Analysis of Chemical Exposures and Sustained Health Outcomes

Background

The increasing use of disposable e-cigarettes (DECs) has raised concerns regarding environmental pollution and public health risks due to their hazardous chemical components and improper disposal practices. Unlike rechargeable devices, DECs are discarded after a single use, generating substantial amounts of waste containing heavy metals, residual nicotine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and lithium-ion battery residues. The accumulation of such waste in landfills, waterways, and public spaces may adversely affect ecosystems and human health.