Warning as disposable vapes found to contain toxic METALS linked to cancer
DISPOSABLE vapes could increase a person's risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and never damage, scientists have warned.
While a ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes came into effect in the UK at the beginning of this month, researchers have revealed the hidden health risk for those continuing to use them.
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In a new report published in ACS Central Science, it was found after a few hundred puffs, some disposable vaping devices release higher levels of toxic metals than refillable e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.
According to Brett Poulin, the corresponding author of the study from the University of California, Davis, hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel were found.
Studies on early generations of refillable e-cigarettes found their heating components could release metals such as chromium and nickel ions into the internal liquid that becomes the vapour people breathe.
In the past few years, disposable e-cigarettes have proven more popular than older refillable vapes - but little is known about the elemental composition of vapours from the newer devices.
So Poulin and colleagues set out to assess popular disposable e-cigarette brands to evaluate the potential health risks they could pose to a user.
Among their findings, one of the disposable e-cigarettes studied released more lead during a day's use than nearly 20 packs of traditional cigarettes.
The researchers tested only three of the nearly 100 disposable e-cigarette brands available on store shelves.
But they said the results are concerning because of their popularity, especially among adolescents and young adults.
Disposable vapes have been found to pose several dangers.
They often contain high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive and can lead to dependence, making it difficult to quit, especially for young people whose brains are still developing, say experts.
Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked
Vaping in general can also cause coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the throat and nose.
It can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma and potentially lead to lung scarring or EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury).
And long-term vaping may impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Disposable vapes were banned in the UK primarily due to environmental concerns and the increasing popularity of vaping among children.
Disposable vapes are often discarded as litter, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife.
Their batteries can also pose fire risks in recycling facilities and leak harmful chemicals.
Also, disposable vapes are seen as particularly appealing to children due to their flavours and attractive packaging, leading to a rise in youth vaping rates.
The ban is specifically targeted at single-use vapes, while reusable vapes are still allowed, as they are seen as having a lower environmental impact and are used by adults to quit smoking.
What's banned
The ban specifically targets single-use, disposable vapes. This includes those with non-rechargeable or non-refillable batteries.
Why the ban?
The government cites two main reasons: reducing the environmental impact of disposable vapes (a major source of litter) and curbing the increasing number of young people becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping.
Who is affected?
The ban primarily affects retailers, who can no longer sell or supply disposable vapes. It also impacts manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers.
What about consumers?
While consumers can no longer purchase disposable vapes from retailers, they are not prohibited from using them.
Alternatives
Consumers can still access refillable and rechargeable vapes, which are not affected by the ban.
Enforcement and penalties
In England, retailers violating the ban may face a £200 fine for the first offence. Further infractions could result in unlimited fines or even prosecution.
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