Are Disposable Vapes Safe or Worse Than Cigarettes?

Are Disposable Vapes Safe? Are They Worse Than Cigarettes?

Some are worried that disposables are unsafe so here’s what you need to know.

6 January 2023 | Hannah Rubery

Are Disposable Vapes Safe or Worse Than Cigarettes? (Image)

Disposable vapes have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and discreet way to consume nicotine or other substances. However, there are concerns about the safety of disposable vapes, particularly with regards to their potential impact on public health.



Are there harmful chemicals in disposable vapes?

One of the main concerns about disposable vapes is their potential to contain harmful chemicals. Many disposable vapes use E-Liquid, which is a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings, and nicotine. While the long-term effects of inhaling these substances are not fully understood, it is widely agreed that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking but like anything, this can differ between users.

For example, propylene glycol has been shown to irritate the respiratory system and cause allergic reactions in some people. Should you feel like you have any problems after vaping, please stop vaping and see a medical practitioner for an evaluation.

Countless studies have recognised that the chemicals present in vapes are significantly lower than those in cigarettes – including ex-smokers who use E-Cigarettes. In terms of risk, vaping is much less harmful than smoking but is not completely risk-free. This is why vaping and disposable vapes are not suggested for use by those who do not smoke.



Safety concerning electrical devices

Another concern about disposable vapes is their potential to explode or catch fire. There have been numerous reports of disposable vapes exploding or catching fire, often resulting in serious injury. These incidents are typically caused by defects in the battery or charging system but can also be caused by user error. For example, using a disposable vape with a damaged battery can increase the risk of an explosion or fire.

Disposable vapes are single-use products and users should not try to recharge the battery for safety reasons. Before using your disposable vape you should make sure to check that the device is not damaged in any way and when vaping if it becomes too hot to handle then immediately stop using the device as there may be a fault.

It is important to use caution when using disposable vapes and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use to minimize the risk of harm.



How do you know if your disposable vape is safe?

There are several ways that you can verify the safety of your disposable vapes. Make sure that your disposable vape is made with high-quality materials and following good manufacturing practices can help reduce the risk of defects and malfunctions.

Generally, any UK-manufactured vape must adhere to these guidelines, but you can also research this yourself by checking out the manufacturer – all vapes are required to have the manufacturer’s contact information on the packaging.

Some disposable vapes come equipped with safety features such as short-circuit protection and automatic shut-off to reduce the risk of explosions or fires. To be sold legally in the UK, disposable vapes must be able to meet this requirement, but being wary of illicit and fake vapes in the UK is also important.

It is worth noting that while these measures can help improve the safety of disposable vapes, they cannot eliminate all risks. As with any product, especially battery-operated products, it is important to use caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using disposable vapes.