Hidden dangers of buying disposable vapes and cigarettes once they're banned in the UK

A hidden health warning has been issued ahead of the UK's plan to ban smoking and disposable vapes.

Following on from the 2024 general election, freshly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing ahead with plans to create the UK's first ever smoke-free generation. Picking up from where his predecessor left off, Starmer is set to rush through Rishi Sunak's Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the first few months of his time in Number 10.

Reports have placed it as being on Starmer's agenda for his first 100 days in office, with it therefore set to become law by the end of the year. It'll mean that any child turning 15 this year - as well as everyone younger and those yet to be born - will never legally be able to be sold tobacco products.

Separate to the legislation is plans to ban disposable vapes across the UK. This is currently set to go live from 1 April, 2025, as long as the Disposable Electronic Cigarettes (Prohibition of Sale) Bill is made in to law before then.

Either way, it is very clear that politicians are pressing ahead with a crackdown on tobacco products and vapes, with pressure growing from outside influences.

The vaping crackdown is aimed at stopping a growing number of young people under the age of 18 choosing to vape, with almost 10 percent of 11 to 15-year-olds picking up the disposable devices.

Vaping is particularly concerning due to the fact that the long-term health impacts are currently unknown. However, they are highly addictive, with withdrawal sometimes causing anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches.

The popularity of vaping has increased dramatically over the last few years (Getty Stock Photo)

Vaping alternatives – such as nicotine pouches – will also be outlawed for children, with remaining vaping products to be sold in plain packaging with exotic flavours outlawed.

With a disposable vaping ban on the horizon, health experts are issuing a fresh warning about trying to access the products once a ban is legally in place. A new study by experts at Go Smoke Free has examined several factors contributing to what it has called a rise in illegal vape shops in the UK, offering advice on how to prevent this worrying trend.

The study found that youth vaping has skyrocketed in the UK in recent years, with around 20 percent of children aged 1 to 17 trying vaping in 2023, up from 15.8 percent in 2022.

"This rise is often attributed to the availability of flavoured disposable vapes and the perception amongst youths that because vaping is widely considered a healthier alternative to smoking, it validates their use," it says.

Are you addicted to vaping? (Getty Stock Images)

In 2023 alone, hundreds of new independent vape shops opened across the UK. Go Smoke Free reports that many of these shops have been found selling products to underage consumers without proper age verification, exploiting the lack of stringent enforcement in some areas. The real danger here lies in the products they are supplying, with many of the vapes being unlicensed and unregulated imitations that are often produced cheaply and do not adhere to UK health regulations.

"Illegal vapes often fail to meet the UK's stringent safety regulations. Investigations have revealed high levels of harmful substances in these devices, such as lead, nickel, and chromium. These products are typically sold at lower prices, making them more accessible to young people and more profitable for unscrupulous sellers," it says.

A whole bunch of nasties also exist in counterfeit cigarettes, with 60 poisonous chemicals found in legitimate cigarettes or tobacco products - never mind the fake ones. Studies show that fake cigs can contain five times the level of cadmium, six times as much lead, 160 percent more tar and 133 percent more carbon monoxide.

Because counterfeit products are, well, counterfeit, they lack the regulations associated with the proper thing. You basically have no idea what is in them.

The UK government is set to create the country's first ever smoke-free generation (Getty Stock Images)

A spokesperson for Go Smoke Free said: "To combat illegal vape shops, the UK must adopt a comprehensive strategy. This involves increasing funding for local trading standards, intensifying enforcement at key locations, tightening advertising and packaging regulations to reduce youth appeal, and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement and health authorities.

"A balanced regulatory framework is essential to support adult smokers who are looking to quit while protecting young people from harmful, unregulated products."