on the occasion of world nature conservation day 28th july 2023 environmental activists and medical experts are raising serious concerns about the detrimental impact of ecigarette waste on both human health and the environment despite significant efforts to manage electronic waste the escalating consumption of ecigarettes is posing a new threat to our delicate ecosystemecigarettes and vapes initially perceived as harmless and trendy alternatives to traditional smoking have turned out to be a growing menace dr swati chakraborty an environmental consultant and activist at cantonment board government of india highlights that ecigarette waste introduces toxic chemicals heavy metals and nicotine salts into the environment these pollutants find their way into waterways soil and pose dangers to wildlife including street dogs and other animals with the increasing usage of ecigarettes the risk of environmental pollution and harm to biodiversity is on the risethe hazardous nature of ecigarettes stems from the presence of nicotine and battery content nicotine not only poses health risks to humans but it also harms wildlife and contaminates soil and water when disposed of improperly the batteries in ecigarettes can contribute to electronic waste if not adequately managed adding to the mounting environmental burdenmedical experts have been closely monitoring the health effects of ecigarettes dr shahnawaz pukait the medical superintendent of techno india dama hospital reveals that ecigarettes can lead to asthma chronic obstructive airway disease and other adverse effects such as abdominal pain headache and nausea additionally an outbreak of vapingrelated lung illnesses was reported in some western countries in 2019 while ecigarettes may have fewer carcinogens than traditional cigarettes they contain heavy metals formaldehyde and other toxins that can still harm consumers healthdr sujoy banik a senior consultant from disha eye hospitals sheds light on the ocular health risks associated with ecigarette use these devices can cause disturbances in oxygen levels of the eyes leading to dry eye problems macular degeneration cataracts and glaucomaapart from the health risks the environmental impact of ecigarette waste cannot be overlooked these devices leak harmful metals like cadmium chromium and nickel contributing to environmental pollution the unused nicotine from discarded ecigarettes can also pose a threat to the ecosystemfurthermore the use of ecigarettes has become a matter of concern due to its influence on young people ecigarettes not only adversely affect the lungs of adults but also hinder brain development in fetuses this trend encourages more young individuals to take up smoking compounding the existing challenges in tobacco controlas the world commemorates world nature conservation day it is imperative for governments industries and individuals to address the rising threat of ecigarette waste strict regulations on the disposal of ecigarettes sustainable waste management practices and awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of these products are essential steps to protect both people and the planet only through concerted efforts can we sustainably conserve nature and ensure a healthier future for all