Are Disposable Vapes Harmful?

December 25, 2022

There have always been reports in the media about vaping, and the latest target of the anti-vaping witch hunt is disposable vapes. These are relatively new to the vape market. Your health is king, so you're right to ask the question, are disposable vapes safe?

Whether you are an established vaper looking to try something new or a beginner vaper who wants to quit the deadly habit of smoking, safety is a concern. Here, we look at the health profile, design, and how disposables compare to other vape devices to reach a conclusion about how safe the disposable vape device truly is.

What Are Disposable Vape Devices?

Disposables are affordable, single-use devices which are the closest thing to smoking traditional cigarettes but without the same harmful level of tar or carbon monoxide contained in cigarette smoke. Unlike other devices, they require no set-up or maintenance. Their convenience and use mimic the process of smoking cigarettes, even down to the sleek packaging.

How are Disposables Constructed?

Disposables have prefilled vape juice contained, and these liquids are available in different strengths. The juice contains water and nicotine flavourings in a vegetable glycerine base. Under UK law, disposables can only contain 2% nicotine. An internal battery powers the coil to heat the juice and turn it into vapour. The vape device also features a mouthpiece and a hard plastic case.

The prefilled construction is part of what makes disposable vapes safe. Mods and refillable vaping options have many working components that users can mishandle, putting themselves at risk and damaging the device. Prefilled vapes don't require maintenance or refilling, and the self-contained design reduces the risk of damage or harm.

Are Disposable Vapes Safe To Use?

There have always been legitimate concerns surrounding whether disposables and disposable vape pens are safe. The concern is high, especially among people looking for a safer alternative to nicotine and other harmful chemicals in combustible tobacco products such as tar, carbon monoxide, lead and arsenic.

Despite a seemingly constant anti-vaping witch hunt, disposable vapes are safe to use as long as you buy them from genuine outlets. But there are some factors to consider.

Are Disposable Vapes Safe to Use to Quit Smoking?

The short answer is yes, at least according to government authorities. Public Health England actively encourage people who smoke to consider them a device to quit smoking for people over 18.

According to the NHS, disposable devices can help manage people seeking to quit smoking. They offer a safer vaping alternative to nicotine withdrawal in adults. They are one of the most effective tools, along with e-cigs and other vape device options, to help with smoking cessation.

Disposables are not worse than burning tobacco. In fact, they are less harmful if you are trying to quit smoking which is why the NHS encourages people to use them. Yes, they can contain nicotine, the substance in cigarettes that causes addiction. However, as any scientist will tell you, nicotine is not the real culprit for smoking-related illnesses like heart disease, stroke and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. It is the other harmful chemicals, and disposable vapes are free of these.

Are Disposable Vapes Safe Compared to Normal Vapes?

There are several differences between disposables and disposable vape pods and so-called regular vape kits. The main one is that regular vapes require a certain amount of user know-how and maintenance.

A standard vape is usually called a mod or pod system, and these require filling up with e-liquid and replacing batteries and coils as part of a proper maintenance system. So, these vape devices do take time to learn how to use. Learning how to prime a coil, reading the information on the display screen, the different resistant types for coils and the button sequences are all essential skills if you want to use these products safely and effectively.

Disposables eliminate all that effort and allow the user to treat their vaping experience much as they used to react or socialise with a cigarette. The user inhales to activate the device. You can choose different vape juice flavours to suit your mood or occasion, and they are ready to go.

Are Disposable Vapes Safe for the Environment?

Negative reports about vapes have appeared a lot in the UK media, and one of the main reasons for this is the issue with single-use products. Disposables fall within this category.

The rules about disposal are unclear, making disposable vapes a target for environmental campaigners.

Because disposable devices contain materials such as lithium batteries and copper, they classify as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment or WEEE. Vapers should dispose of them at the outlet where they bought them or a household recycling centre.

Most disposable vape users are unaware of this, which is why disposable vapes are an increasingly unsightly litter problem. Many users are not even aware there is a battery inside.

Disposable vapes can contain harmful chemicals that can impact the environment if not disposed of properly. According to Material Focus, a not-for-profit group focusing on recycling e-waste, people throw out up to 1.3 million single-use devices each week.

Disposable vapes have been receiving a bit of bad press, but this doesn't make them harmful for those wanting to avoid smoking-related illnesses. They just require diligence and responsible disposal from users.

The Advantages of Disposables

Everyone's talking about disposable vape pens because they offer a safer alternative to cigarettes and are easier to use and more convenient than traditional vape products. But those aren't the only benefits.

Portability

Disposable vapes are portable, with their thinner, cylindrical shape making them easier to grip. This vaping device is small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag for ultimate portability.

Cleaner Flavours

Many vapers believe that vapor from disposable vapes tastes better than refillable vape devices, with a more concentrated and authentic flavour. Combine that with stylish, on-trend packaging and who would want to be out without one?

The liquid in disposable vapes is sweeter because the coil doesn't deteriorate as with a refillable vape device.

Smoother Hits

Disposable vapes use nicotine salts, which have a lower pH, thus providing more flavour and a smoother vape experience. Compare this with the traditional freebase e-liquid used in refillable vape kits, which can be harsh on the throat.

Lower Cost

Disposable devices retail for between £3-£6. Over the longer-term, disposable vape pens offer less value for money than other vaping devices despite their low price point. Still, they are a quick and slick alternative to tobacco smoking and the effort of normal vape products.

Conclusion

Disposable vapes help adult smokers with nicotine cravings on the journey to a cigarette-free life. They have many advantages over cigarettes, and they appeal to both new vapers and those who have spent time on more traditional devices just because of their ease and convenience. Some people who have tried both are pleasantly surprised at just how good the flavour is.

The RELX Bar is disposable with a transparent pod allowing you to monitor e-liquid levels. Distinct from competitors, the ceramic coil offers a smoother draw. Among all vaping products, the RELX Bar is the simple solution for ex-smokers looking to transition from tobacco—pick it up and vape.

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