Environmental Impacts of E-Cigarettes
I’m Alex, and I will help you learn about the negative effects that e-cigarettes and tobacco have on our environment.
What is Hazardous Waste?
CORROSIVE: A substance that is, or contains, a strong acid or base.
FLAMMABLE: A substance or item that can combust or explode through specific conditions.
TOXIC: Substances that are harmful when absorbed or ingested.
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Determine which of the labeled parts are classified as corrosive, flammable and or toxic hazardous waste.
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Now that you know that e-cigarettes are hazardous waste, let’s see what happens when they enter the environment.
Vapes in the Watershed
E-cigarettes enter our waterways as litter. When it rains, water gathers pollution as it flows through our streets and down the storm drain. The pollution is carried in our waterways which flow to the ocean. Every component of an e-cigarette is hazardous to plants, animals, and the overall health of natural systems.
What about if the e-cigarette is not littered but thrown away in the trash? Let’s find out!
Vapes in the Landfill
Even if e-cigarettes’ lithium-ion batteries can potentially explode and cause fires. The corrosive acid from the batteries and electronics can break through our landfills’ environmental safeguards allowing their toxins and other trash juices to seep into our soil, poisoning wildlife and polluting our drinking water.
“What if someone you care about uses e-cigarettes? You can’t make their choices for them but you want to protect your environment, too. What do you do? Follow these steps…
Take box to a local hazardous waste collection center (HHWCC)
Place e-cigarettes and refills in a closed box. Store in a cool dry place.
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The Chemicals in an e-cigarette will absorb through skin. Wear gloves when handling devices.
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“Let’s explore the journey of a littered e-cigarette as it travels through Orange County’s storm drain. We will research the path pollution of a littered e-cigarette from your school or home!”
Go to bit.ly/OCWatershed. This will take you to a website that shows all of Orange County’s watersheds. Type in your home or school address to discover your watershed. Let’s find yours!
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Draw or screenshot the map of the watershed and it’s pathways. Label drains and landmarks around your community. How can litter in the watershed impact the environment around you?
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I refuse vaping…
To keep my environment free from the hazardous waste of e-cigarettes.