Brits given 'hidden danger' vaping warning as UK ban edges closer

Sad news is afoot for vapers in the UK, as the vape ban is almost upon us.

From June 1, the UK government has banned the sale and supply of single-use vapes, sending nicotine addicts into a panic as they try and figure out what to do beyond the ban.

Of course, with us Brits not liking being told what to do, or what we can and cannot buy, instead of just quitting vaping, a shocking 82% of disposable vape users are simply planning to hoard as many disposable vapes as they can.

Sounds sensible, right? Wrong. In fact, you shouldn't be stocking up on disposable vapes, as they don't age very well.

According to Professor Paul Christensen, an expert in lithium-ion battery safety, stockpiling disposable vapes can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Why is stockpiling disposable vapes dangerous?

Disposable vapes will be banned from 1 June (Getty Stock Images)

Disposable vapes use lithium-ion batteries which are known to become unstable if they are exposed to heat, moisture, or physical damage. The chances of the batteries becoming unstable are increased if they are stored in large quantities. Bad news for all your hoarders out there.

If the devices are handled incorrectly, or stored in poor conditions, there's a chance of them triggering something known as a thermal runaway; this can lead to fires, toxic gas release, or even explosions.

While under normal circumstances, the risks are fairly low, mass-storing the devices and how/where you store them can massively increase the risks involved in hoarding disposable vapes, sparking concern around vape users intentions to bulk buy the devices before the ban.

Plans to bulk buy disposables has sparked concerns with experts (Getty Stock Images)

According to the London Fire Brigade, storage and handling isn't the only cause for concern when it comes to disposable vapes. Leaving your disposable vape on charge overnight, using the wrong charger, and even disposing of your vape incorrectly also pose a risk.

The disposable vape ban sparks other concerns

Bulk buying isn't the only part of the ban which is cause for concern. According to Haypp, 34% of disposable vape users have admitted they would consider buying illegal disposable vapes following the ban.

The biggest age group who admitted that they would look to the criminal underworld for their vaping needs were 18 to 24 year olds and those over 55.

While the vape ban has been put in place to help reduce vaping among younger generations, as well as to deal with their impact on the environment, a massive 78% of disposable vape users oppose the ban.

Many experts are concerned that the ban might have unintended consequences, forcing vape users back to cigarettes. They have suggested that it would perhaps be better to offer more information on alternatives, instead, helping vape users to make 'informed choices' about their health, as well as the health and safety of those around them.