Disposable vapes unlike a reusable vape (a much better option) are a type of electronic cigarette that are designed to be used once and then discarded. They are marketed as a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional cigarettes, but there are concerns about their safety and potential health risks.
Our biggest concerns with disposable vapes is that they are often poorly made and use low-quality materials. Many disposable vapes are made with plastic components, including the mouthpiece, which can break or crack easily. This can lead to leaking and other issues that can be dangerous for users.
Another issue with disposable vapes is that they often contain high levels of nicotine. - sometimes as high as 80mg! That's 6 times stronger than a red packet of cigarettes, the highest strength available! by tobacco manufacturers.
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can have a range of negative health effects. When consumed in high doses, it can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, heart failure, strokes and many other symptoms. It can also lead to addiction, which can be difficult to overcome.
Our biggest concern is the liquid that is inside disposable vapes can also be a cause for concern. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco to create smoke, or reusable vapes which can be filled, emptied, cleaned, and have coils which can be replaced, disposable vapes use a liquid that has many nasty stabilisers & preservatives. This liquid, which is typically a combination of nicotine salts, flavourings, and other nasty chemicals, can be harmful especially so if it is not properly stored or if it is left inside the vape for a long period of time.
All disposable vapes are manufactured in China and the products are in storage for more than 8 months before they reach your shores. If the liquid inside a disposable vape is left for a long period of time, it can begin to break down and degrade, generally speaking this is anytime longer than 4 weeks. This can lead to the formation of harmful compounds, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which can be dangerous when inhaled. Additionally, the liquid can become contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms, which can also pose a health risk.
The high levels of nicotine in disposable vapes are also a cause for concern. Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. When consumed in high doses, it can lead to nicotine poisoning, which can be fatal in extreme cases. Disposable vapes use whats been called a nicotine salt liquid. This was the same as the traditional nicotine as used in all regulated nicotine products however this nicotine has many other nasty chemicals like like benzoic acid.
- Excerpt from ScienceDirect.
'Benzoic acid (BA) is a commonly used antimicrobial preservative in food and beverages, especially in carbonated beverages, as it presents its strongest antibacterial activity at pH 2.5–4.0. BA has inhibitory effects on the proliferation of bacteria and yeasts, a major cause of food spoilage.'
In addition to the health risks associated with disposable vapes, there are also environmental concerns. Because these vapes are designed to be used once and then thrown away, they create a significant amount of waste. The plastic components and batteries used in disposable vapes can take years to break down in the environment, leading to pollution and other issues.
Despite the potential risks associated with disposable vapes, they continue to be popular among some users. This may be due to their convenience and affordability, as well as their availability in a range of flavours and nicotine strengths.
However, it is important for users to understand the potential risks and to use disposable vapes responsibly. This includes properly disposing of them after use, avoiding leaving them in hot or humid environments, and monitoring nicotine intake to avoid overdose or addiction.
In conclusion, disposable vapes can be a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional cigarettes, but they come with a range of potential health and environmental risks. They are often poorly made, use plastic components, and contain high levels of nicotine, which can be harmful when consumed in large doses. Additionally, the liquid inside disposable vapes can break down over time, leading to the formation of harmful compounds. Users should be aware of these risks and use disposable vapes responsibly to minimise their impact.