Disposable vapes are facing a global crackdown, and the UK is leading the charge with a looming ban. But what exactly is inside these single-use devices?

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) recently dissected disposable vapes to shed light on their contents. Here’s a breakdown:

Components

• Casing: Usually aluminium with plastic ends.
• Battery: Lithium-ion, similar to those in drills or electric cars. Needs proper recycling but often ends up in landfills.
• Internal Assembly: Wedged or taped together inside the casing. Includes:
  • Pressure Sensor: Activates the heating element when you puff.
  • Heating Element: Turns e-liquid into vapour.
  • E-liquid Reservoir: Plastic tube with silicone caps, containing the e-liquid.

E-liquid

• Contains propylene glycol, nicotine (often), and flavourings.
• Many flavouring ingredients have unknown health effects.

Environmental Concerns

• Difficult to Recycle: Mix of valuable metals and plastic makes separation challenging.
• Landfill Threat: Batteries pose a fire risk and all components contribute to electronic waste.
• Toxic Impact: Potential for toxic materials to leach into the environment.

Dr. Miles Park, who led the research, emphasises the negative aspects of disposable vapes:

• Wasteful: Single-use design squanders resources.
• Environmentally Damaging: Risk of fire, toxic leaching, and difficulty in recycling.

The UK Ban

• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the ban in early 2024.
• Both major parties (Labour and Conservative) support the ban, expected to be law by 2025.
• This follows Australia’s complete ban on non-prescription vapes.

Source

Ladbible