Huge Scale of Illegal Vapes for Sale in the UK and the Hidden Dangers
The number of illegal vapes being imported and being sold across the UK is increasing, and this can cause a problem for both legitimate sellers and the customers that the vapes are being sold to, some of whom may be unaware that the vapes they’re buying are illegal.
To find out more about the illegal vape trade in the UK, as well as the potential hidden dangers relating to this, read on for the details, as well as what’s being done to stop it, and where you should buy your vaping products from.
How many illegal vapes are being confiscated?
Almost 1.2 million illegal vapes were seized by the authorities in the last year, and there’s likely to be more that the authorities don’t know about.
This is the highest number of illegal vapes found in a single year, showing that this is becoming a larger problem within the borders of the UK, alongside the growing vape industry and demand.
The areas where the highest number of illegal vapes were found were Kent, due to its proximity to the Channel Tunnel, and the fact that illegal goods are often transported through the port in Dover, as well as Lancashire.
How can you spot illegal vapes?
To spot illegal vapes when you’re out shopping, you should check that they’re MHRA registered, which you can do online. You should also check if the vape meets regulations on size and content and carries the right notice in the right size.
You can also do a smell test; illegal vapes often smell more pungent than the other vapes that you might smoke. You should also never buy a vape that’s stored hidden somewhere, such as underneath the counter, as this is a sign that someone has something to hide.
Instead of shopping with unreputable retailers, you should ensure that you’re shopping with a legitimate source. It should have good reviews and a transparent supply chain and business structure. There are many online sources to purchase vapes from that you can ensure will only sell you legal products.
These include companies such as Superior Vapour, which sells a wide range of different vaping products and accessories to the public without them having to worry about hidden dangers. Reputable companies will typically have all their important terms and conditions listed on their website.
What are the hidden dangers?
- Toxic Substances
The largest danger related to the vapes being brought into the UK, which could make up one third of vapes sold, is that they’re not regulated. This means that they could contain toxic substances that are currently banned. This could even include traces of metal.
These can be consumed by customers and cause illness and even long-term health issues. They could also contain too much of certain limited products, such as nicotine, or have a tank that’s larger than legal standards.
Illegal vapes could allow toxins to be inhaled, and this could spell irreversible lung damage in the future. These substances might also lead to high blood pressure, as well as issues with your arteries and heart.
In fact, the extent of the health issues that could develop are unknown, simply because there’s no way of knowing exactly what’s in each product.
- Addiction
Not only this, but high levels of nicotine and other substances could cause addiction or worsen an addiction over time. Addictions can be hard to stop and might require medical treatment. They can also make health issues more likely and can leave the victim in debt.
- Lack of Health Warning
Illegal vapes are also unlikely to have a health warning on the packet. Every vape sold must come with the advice “This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.”
If this warning isn’t on the packaging, customers are unable to make an informed decision and might not be aware of the dangers that vaping could expose them to, especially since it’s often marketed as a replacement for smoking.
Without this warning, the vapes aren’t compliant and could leave vulnerable people in an even more fragile position.
- Lack of Public Knowledge
Customers might also be purchasing illegal vapes without knowing that they’re unregulated or illegal. This means that they’re unaware of the dangers and might simply be excited to get a good deal or to have vapes easily available to them.
Many people might also be unaware of just how prevalent illegal vapes are and how they can sometimes be found in shops in their local area. People who suspect illegal vapes are being sold are encouraged to report it.
