“Urgent Calls to Ban High-Capacity ‘Monster Vape’ Kits in the UK”
A senior Member of Parliament has raised concerns over the availability of “monster vape” kits in the UK, which are capable of delivering the equivalent puff-power of over 8,000 cigarettes. Dr. Beccy Cooper, a Labour MP and public health specialist, is urging the implementation of stricter regulations under the Tobacco & Vapes Bill to address the loophole allowing the sale of these 100,000-puff vape packages in the market.
The popularity of these kits has surged following the ban on disposable vapes imposed by the government in June last year. Dr. Cooper emphasized that these so-called ‘monster vapes’ not only contradict the intent of the disposable vape ban but also surpass the existing limits on tank size. She stressed the need to close these regulatory gaps to safeguard public health, stating that while vapes can aid in smoking cessation efforts, ultra-high-puff products hinder progress towards a smoke-free society.
Current UK regulations restrict individual vape tanks to a maximum capacity of 2ml for nicotine e-liquid. However, campaigners have warned that some manufacturers are skirting these rules by producing devices with multiple 2ml tanks that users can interchange within a single vape unit.
Prior to the disposable vape ban, studies revealed that mega-puff devices accounted for a significant portion of the market, with weekly sales reaching three million units. There was also a notable 17% increase in the sales value of vaping devices claiming to offer over 600 puffs between June and October of the previous year.
Material Focus, an advocate for circular economies, has cautioned against the economic allure of ‘big puff’ vapes, noting that they offer a cheaper cost per inhalation compared to disposable alternatives. Concerns have also been raised about the environmental impact of these models and the potential for increased wastage.
While vaping has been promoted as a smoking cessation aid, health experts caution that the long-term effects remain uncertain. Initial research suggests that e-cigarettes are a less harmful alternative to smoking, but non-smokers and minors are advised against vaping.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently under review in the House of Lords, includes provisions to prohibit individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, from purchasing cigarettes.
