Are Disposable Vapes Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Disposable vapes vs refillable vapes; what’s the difference?

With the “traditional vape” being available on the market for a number of years now, the vast majority of the general public are familiar with the product and most understand the bare basics. When a slightly new product becomes available, such as a disposable vape, it leaves the door open for curiosity.

The main difference between disposable vapes and refillable vapes is that disposable vapes are designed to be used for a short period of time and then thrown away, while refillable vapes can be refilled with e-liquid when they run out.

It is worth noting that some disposable vapes may have a slightly different design, in that a charge port may be added to it. This gives the battery extended life but still means that once the e-juice has finished, it’s time to dispose of it and purchase a new device.

What’s inside a disposable vape?

A disposable vape usually contains a battery, a heating element, a small tank or cartridge filled with e-liquid, and a mouthpiece. Disposable vapes also contain a sensor that activates the heating element when the user inhales. 

The e-liquid inside of a disposable typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and a base liquid such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG). 

They’re essentially as safe as any other types of refillable vape you may have encountered in the past; only they’re not intended for long-term use.

Why have disposable vapes become so popular recently?

Let’s face it, through the eyes of a casual cigarette/vape smoker, the world of rebuildable coils, refillable tanks, and different levels of PG and VG can be a confusing and intimidating world. 

With a disposable vape, users are able to buy a conveniently pre-boxed, predetermined flavor and nicotine strength, essentially skipping the mechanics of the traditional “DIY” vaping world. They also don’t have to fiddle about with filling and refilling a vape. This makes disposable vaping the popular ‘no-nonsense’ approach to the vaping world.

Disposable vaping also has the following benefits, resulting in a sharp rise in its use and popularity:

• No need for charging or refilling
• Affordable and accessible
• Discreet and convenient for on-the-go use
• Minimal maintenance required
• Less harmful than traditional smoking
• No lingering odors or ash
• Available in a range of styles and designs

With such great benefits, where has the idea that they’re dangerous come from?

Where has the idea that disposable vapes are dangerous come from?

In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the safety of disposable vapes. From news articles to social media posts, it seems like everyone is talking about the supposed dangers of these devices. But where did these concerns come from, and are they based on actual evidence? Let’s take a closer look.

Misleading Media Coverage

It is worth noting that much of the concern about disposable vapes has been fueled by misleading media coverage. In some cases, news outlets have sensationalized isolated incidents in a way that paints all disposable vapes as dangerous, which is simply inaccurate.

Environmental Concerns 

Disposable vapes have the potential to be bad for the environment because they are designed to be used only once and then disposed of, meaning they contribute to the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste). 

Most disposable vapes contain a battery, plastic casing, and an electronic circuit. When these items are thrown away, they can release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the environment, potentially contaminating soil and water.

With this in mind, it is important to dispose of your disposable vapes properly by recycling them in an approved electronics recycling bin. Most vaping stores will have the means necessary for you to dispose of your vape in a safe way.

Fire hazards

Disposable vapes could present a potential fire hazard due to the lithium-ion battery used to power the device. If the battery is damaged or overheats, it can catch fire or explode. This is extremely rare though, and reports of exploding vapes are overblown and over sensationalized. Any disposable vape from a reputable brand will have safety features built-in, such as automatic cut off and overheating protection, making it extremely unlikely, if not impossible, for a fire or explosion to happen. Still, it’s important that you safely dispose of your vape if you suspect that it is damaged in any way.

Counterfeit Vapes

Let’s be honest here, if humans can find a way to counterfeit a desirable product, we’ll almost certainly do it, and this also applies to vaping. Counterfeit vapes are made with one thing in mind and one thing only: profit for the company making them. 

These companies are less concerned with the safety of their products than the money that can be made, and this has given rise to dangerous counterfeit products hitting the streets. Unfortunately, this has given disposable vapes a bad wrap.  

What makes counterfeit vapes so dangerous?

Fake vapes or counterfeit vaping products can be harmful because they may contain harmful chemicals or substances that can be dangerous when inhaled or ingested. 

Some fake vapes have been found to contain heavy metals, such as lead, and harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which can cause serious damage to the lungs and other organs.

You only need to look so far as the black market carts that hit the streets in late 2019 to see the danger behind counterfeit products.

Fake vapes do not adhere to the same safety standards as genuine vaping products and may lack proper labeling, quality control, and other safety features. This can increase the risk of accidents or other health problems when using these products.

With all that being said, your best bet is to only use genuine products purchased from a reputable retailer.

How to spot a fake vape

You may be starting to feel concerned over the market in general, but worry not; counterfeit items are relatively easy to spot, once you know what to look out for. 

Let’s take the counterfeit clothing market as an example. If you were to see a T-shirt on Facebook Marketplace that is sold under the brand name Gucci, but the picture clearly shows the logo to say Cucci, you’d instantly know it’s a fake product. 

We can take this idea and apply it to the vaping market. But what signs should you be looking for specifically? 

Below, we share tips on how you can stay safe when purchasing disposable vapes:

1. Packaging: Check the packaging for any misspellings or inconsistencies. Authentic disposable vapes typically have high-quality packaging with clear labeling.
2. Price: Be wary of disposable vapes that are significantly cheaper than their authentic counterparts. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Branding: Look for the brand logo and branding details. Fake disposable vapes often have branding that looks slightly off or inconsistent with the authentic version.
4. Flavor: Authentic disposable vapes usually have a consistent flavor, while fake ones may have an artificial or strange taste.
5. Performance: If the disposable vape doesn’t produce enough vapor or feels weak, it may be a fake product.
6. QR code: Some disposable vape brands use a QR code that allows you to scan and verify the authenticity of the product. Check for a QR code on the packaging and scan it using a QR code scanner app to confirm if the product is genuine.

If you’re still concerned after reading the above, you can check out our in-depth guide on how to spot fake vape products. The best advice is that if you are unsure whether a disposable vape is authentic or fake, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and wait to purchase from a reputable and licensed retailer.

Are there any trustworthy retailers that I can buy disposable vapes from?

Absolutely. Although there is a large black market for fake disposable vapes, thankfully, there is an even bigger genuine market. At Versed Vaper, we are focused on putting you on the right path toward fulfilling your vaping needs without the worry of whether or not a product is real.

In fact, we have teamed up with the wonderful team at VapeSourcing to give you an exclusive 15% off your bill when you purchase over $60 worth of disposable vapes. Check out their range now and remember to use the code XDPOD at checkout.

You can also check out our list of vetted and trusted online vape stores for more genuine purchase options.

The bottom line

Are disposable vapes dangerous? The answer is a resounding “no”, but precautions need to be taken. While there are certainly some legitimate concerns about these devices, much of the concern has been overblown. 

Let’s not forget that vaping in general is 95% less harmful than regular cigarettes and recent studies show that vaping is indeed helping people to quit cigarettes entirely.

Ultimately, the key is to purchase your products from a reputable retailer, and choose reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients and follow proper safety guidelines. With a bit of research and common sense, you can enjoy the convenience and pleasure of disposable vapes without putting your health at risk.

FAQs

Are disposable vapes dangerous to bring on planes?

Yes and no. While you are allowed to bring your vapes with you in your carry-on luggage aboard a plane, it is prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to have any type of vape, including disposable vapes, in your checked luggage. This is due to the potential fire hazards that vapes can cause if damaged. Check out our guide to flying with vapes for a full low-down on the law and what you can and cannot do.

Can I buy disposable THC/CBD vapes?

Yes, you can buy disposable THC/CBD vapes. It’s important to purchase from reputable sources and to avoid products containing harmful additives. Make sure to check our extensive review of some of the best THC vapes available on the market right now. Similarly, we also review the best the market has to offer for CBD disposable vapes. 

Note: Consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new cannabis products.