Vaping has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, with many people considering it a safer option. However, a recent test conducted by Inter Scientific has revealed that some vaping devices sold in England and Wales, claiming to be nicotine-free, actually contain the same level of addictive substances as full-strength e-cigarettes. The data, shared with the British daily newspaper The Guardian, has raised concerns about the illicit sale of oversized and overstrength vapes and the circumvention of UK regulations. In this article, we will explore the findings of the test and its implications on public health and vaping regulations.

Inter Scientific Findings

The test conducted by Inter Scientific found that among the vaping devices tested, at least eight of them, which claimed to contain no addictive substances, actually contained almost 20 mg/ml of nicotine, which is the legal limit in the UK. Shockingly, one of the devices had nicotine levels higher than 50 percent of the legal limit[^1^]. This revelation raises concerns about false claims made by some manufacturers and the potential for addiction among users who believe they are using nicotine-free products.

David Lawson, the chief executive at Inter Scientific, has expressed concerns about the increasing number of illegal vape products being seized by trading standards and sent for analysis. While these products may not pose an immediate health risk, they are circumventing UK regulations, which are in place to protect consumers[^1^]. This highlights the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of vaping products to ensure their safety and quality.

Oversized and Overstrength Vapes

In addition to containing addictive substances, the test also revealed that a significant percentage of vapes bought in England were oversized and overstrength, violating the legal regulations. Out of the 52 vapes tested, 73 percent were found to be above the legal e-cigarette tank capacity of 2 ml. Furthermore, over 40 percent of the vapes tested were filled with 5 ml of liquid or more[^1^]. This indicates a widespread violation of regulations and the need for better enforcement measures to prevent the sale of oversized and overstrength vapes.

It is important to note that none of the e-cigarettes studied by Inter Scientific were listed in the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) database. This means that there is no record of any harm associated with these products, as they are not registered with the regulatory agency. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the safety and quality of vaping devices being sold in the market, and the need for stricter regulation and monitoring to protect consumers.

UK Government’s ‘Swap to Stop’ Initiative

The findings of the Inter Scientific test come at a time when the UK government has launched a ‘swap to stop’ initiative as part of its smoke-free drive. According to a report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the use of vapes among 11 to 17-year-olds has increased from 3.3 percent in the previous year to 7 percent in 2022[^1^]. This has raised concerns about the increasing use of vaping devices among teenagers and the potential risks associated with it.

In an effort to reduce smoking and promote vaping as a safer alternative, the UK government has announced plans to offer e-cigarette starter kits to nearly one in five smokers in England under the ‘swap to stop’ initiative[^1^]. However, the recent findings of Inter Scientific raise concerns about the safety and effectiveness of vaping devices, and the need for stricter regulations and monitoring to protect vulnerable populations, especially teenagers, from the potential harms of vaping.

Conclusion

The findings of the test conducted by Inter Scientific, which revealed that some so-called ‘nicotine-free’ vapes contain addictive substances, highlight the need for stricter regulation and monitoring of vaping products. The fact that some vaping devices contained nicotine levels higher than the legal limit and that a significant percentage of vapes were oversized and overstrength, violating regulations, is concerning. This not only raises questions about false claims made by manufacturers but also indicates a lack of oversight and enforcement measures in place to ensure the safety and quality of vaping devices.

The UK government’s ‘swap to stop’ initiative, which aims to promote vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, may need to be re-evaluated in light of these findings. The increasing use of vaping devices among teenagers, combined with the potential risks associated with unregulated and addictive substances in some products, calls for more robust regulations and monitoring to protect vulnerable populations.

It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping and to carefully choose vaping devices and e-liquids from reputable sources. Additionally, it is essential for regulatory agencies to take necessary actions to enforce existing regulations, prevent the sale of oversized and overstrength vapes, and ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for false claims and illegal substances in their products.

In conclusion, the recent findings of the Inter Scientific test raise significant concerns about the safety and quality of some vaping products, particularly those claiming to be nicotine-free. Stricter regulation, monitoring, and enforcement measures are needed to protect consumers, especially teenagers, from the potential harms of vaping. It is crucial to prioritize public health and safety in the regulation of vaping devices to ensure that they are a genuinely safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.