Healthy Surrey:

Healthy Surrey

Vaping

Information about vaping, the health implications and how to spot and report illegal vapes.

What is vaping?

Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), involves inhaling and exhaling aerosol, often referred to as vapor. These devices come in various shapes and sizes, and they heat a liquid (usually containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals) to create the vapor.

Health implications of vaping

Vaping is not risk free.

People who do not already smoke should not start to vape. Vaping is an option for smokers who want to quit. Anyone who is not trying to quit smoking should not take up vaping.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in England and quitting smoking is one of the best things a smoker will ever do for their health.

Vapes can be effective tools for adult smokers who are seeking to quit traditional tobacco. Numerous studies have shown that vaping can help individuals reduce or eliminate their dependence on cigarettes.

While vaping is often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it's essential to recognise potential health risks.

If you smoke, swapping to vaping and accessing smoking cessation support is the best thing you can do for your health. If you do not smoke and/or are under the age of 18 years, you should not vape.

Visit the NHS webpage for more information: Vaping myths and facts.

Identifying illegal vapes and tobacco

The risks of illegal tobacco

legal tobacco across the country is becoming a significant problem with organised criminal gangs targeting vulnerable people by selling cigarettes and hand rolled tobacco at reduced prices. Surrey and Buckinghamshire are no exception with illicit tobacco being found by Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards across the county. The availability of cheaper illegal tobacco undermines the efforts of smokers from quitting and instead encourages more smoking among both adults and young people.

There is strong evidence to show that illicit tobacco causes house fires. Illegal cigarettes do not meet the 'Reduced Ignition Propensity' safety standard. Since 2011, all cigarettes sold in the UK have to be manufactured to meet this standard which makes sure that cigarettes left unattended go out quickly using fire retardant paper.

Since illegal cigarettes are not manufactured legitimately, you can't be sure if this safety method is being used, leading to cigarettes staying lit and fires occurring.

Common brands of illegal tobacco to look out for include Jin Ling, Raquel, Richman, Platinum, Newman (NZ) and Camelford which cannot legitimately be bought in the UK. However, if tobacco products do not contain health warnings written in English or display the 'United Kingston (UK) Duty Paid' fiscal mark, they are also illegal.

The rules on vaping and reporting underage or illegal vapes

Vapes are regulated in the UK - it is illegal to sell nicotine-containing vaping products to anyone under 18 years old or for adults to buy them for those under 18 years old.

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards regulate the selling of vapes to under 18-year-olds and the sale of non-compliant vapes to all individuals.

Actions can be taken against any trader selling vapes to underage customers or selling illegal products, including seizing products, written warnings to retailers and formal criminal investigations.

Here are some ways to spot an illegal vape in the UK:

  • Health warming: The health warning must cover at least 30% of the front and back fo the packaging. It must also include the exact wording, "this product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance"
  • Nicotine content: The nicotine content must be no more than 2% or 20mg/ml
  • Tank size: The tank size must be no more than 2ml. This is equivalent to 600-650 puffs for disposables.
  • Importer or manufacturer: The packaging must include the UK address of the importer or manufacturer.
  • Notification to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA): The vape must be notified to the MHRA and listed on its website.

How you can help

The Police and Trading Standards can investigate and take action against those who import or sell illegal tobacco products. If you think you know where the tobacco is being sold, stored or made please report it.