The number of illegal disposable vapes seized across Oxfordshire has reached 10,000, prompting the county council to issue a warning about the dangers to users.
The Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team has issued the warning following the government's announcement of a proposed ban on disposable vapes in January.
The ban forms part of the government’s response to its consultation on smoking and vaping, which was launched in October last year.
New powers will also be introduced to restrict flavours which are specifically marketed at children and ensure that manufacturers produce plainer packaging.
Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, cabinet member for public health, inequalities, and community safety at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Rechargeable vapes are a proven tool for adult smokers to help with quitting smoking and are almost twice as effective as other forms of nicotine replacement therapy.
"However, they should not be used by children or non-smokers as nicotine is highly addictive, with withdrawal sometimes causing anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches.
"This is alongside other unknown long-term effects on health."
Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health charity suggest 7.6 per cent of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1 per cent in 2020.
The council said the figures in Oxfordshire reflect a national trend.
The council has urged people to check packaging for tell-tale signs that a disposable vape may be illegal.
They said illegal disposable vapes often have a nicotine content above two per cent, or 20mg/ml.
They also said a capacity above 2ml, puff count above 1,200m, or no UK address for importer or manufacturer could suggest the product is illegal.
A further indicator that a vape may be illegal is a health warning that does not include the exact wording 'This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance'.
Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s head of Trading Standards, said: "We have recently seen a very concerning but unfortunately predictable development where reasonably sophisticated concealments, secured by electromagnet, have been used in an attempt to evade detection.
"This is clear evidence that illegal vapes are now being deliberately sold by organised crime groups.
"Whilst the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is very welcome, this is clearly going to be a significant problem for many years to come".
Residents with concerns about the sale of illegal vapes in Oxfordshire can report it anonymously using the Illegal tobacco and vape hotline on 0300 999 6 999 or by visiting the Stop Illegal Tobacco website.
Businesses considering purchasing disposable vapes for retail sale can refer to Oxfordshire County Council’s online guidance.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here