No doubt by now you have probably seen a few articles flying around the internet about many people falling ill or even dying from vaping. Of course, the first thing you do is read it in shock - is my vape really going to kill me?
We understand that this type of media attention is very shocking and scary, but in reality, you need to look in between the lines to get down to the real facts.
Currently, the majority of the media stories you can read online about 'vaping related illnesses and/or deaths' come from America, and it's a certain group of people that are affected. Public Health England (PHE) published an article in October 2019 in relation to this media outbreak on vaping to outline the facts and advise current vapers on the UK's stand.
The lead investigator of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in America, Dr Meaney-Delman, reported that the outbreak could be narrowed down to THC containing products that have caused lung injury in its users. THC is a psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant that gives users a 'high' sensation. Under UK law, Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and therefore would not be used in any e-liquid manufacturing.
As well as THC, there is suspicion that Vitamin E acetate oil is also being used in these black-market cartridges. It has also been reported that the THC products being used in America are being purchased off the street or from informal sources such as illicit dealers.
Public Health England has stepped forward and stated that the 'vaping-related illnesses' are not linked to long-term use of regulated nicotine vaping products, such as those sold here at 888 Vapour. UK regulation on e-liquid is very strict and e-liquids must be tested before they can be sold to the general public, which grants them an MSDS (manufacturer safety data sheet).
The e-liquid that you vape should only have a maximum of four different ingredients:
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Flavour Concentrates (food-grade)
- Nicotine (only in 10ml bottles)
Buying e-liquids from unknown sources can be hazardous, as you may not know what ingredients are being used. You should also be wary of individuals selling 'THC vapes', as these will not be manufactured by a reputable company and therefore have not been through the relevant test processes to ensure that they are safe (as well as them being illegal).
Stick to the companies that you know, and if you ever have a question about an e-liquid that you have purchased, contact the manufacturer directly who will be able to help you. Although many use vaping as a way to quit smoking, stopping smoking completely is the best option in order to get your health back on track.
Public Health England still states that "vaping is at least 95% less harmful" than smoking, and that users should not be put off by the media being circulated around these illnesses.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaping safely, contact us and we will be happy to put your mind at rest.
