High testing standards can address fresh vape concerns

Allergies concerns highlights need to meet stringent regulations ~

As vaping continues to grow in popularity, so does the concern surrounding its safety. While vaping devices have proven to be an effective smoking cessation tool, helping the UK work towards its goal of being smokefree by 2030, there are growing fears about their potential side effects. These include their rising popularity among young people, leading to new legislation aimed at banning disposable devices. Alongside this, the appeal of flavoured vaping products has raised alarms due to reports of potentially dangerous allergic reactions[1]. Following these reports, nicotine testing and regulatory consultancy Broughton examines the current regulatory environment for vaping and highlights what may follow.

Vaping products have been among the nicotine-based alternatives to help smokers quit combustible cigarettes. According to the NHS, smokers are twice as likely to quit if they use a vaping tool compared to other nicotine replacement products[2]. In addition, a study from the University of Bristol suggests that flavours play an important role in helping smokers to quit.

The study indicates that if flavours were banned, half of the participants would be more inclined to go back to smoking – indicating that flavourless vapes were unappealing[3].

The appeal the devices have among young people has been something the UK government has tried to tackle via the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which recently passed its second reading in the House of Commons – banning single use vapes and trying to limit the visuals and colours included on its packaging.

Since 2020, the NHS has recorded a 733 per cent increase in teenagers and young people in the UK hospitalised after vaping. According to recent article in The Times[4] this has been, in part, down to allergic reactions suffered by children. Doctors have also been cited in other articles in the UK national press[5] suggesting that flavourings in vape liquid can contain traces of allergens, such as nuts, dairy or gluten if the devices mimic the flavours of food or desserts, which could be responsible for triggering such allergic reactions.

Currently, as the devices are not classed as food and drink, there is no legal requirement to label these ingredients on e-cigarette packaging. This has led to calls from charities and other health groups for allergy warnings to be included on product labelling.

Forthcoming changes in legislation, including the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the UK, have shown this is an increasingly pressing issue for governments to act on, including a vape tax due to be introduced in 2026.

Irrespective of the legislation now, or in the future, it’s important that e-cigarettes are subject to rigorous testing before being brought to market. Working with a specialist contract research organisation, that can provide specialist clinical, behavioural and stability testing is key to help ensure new nicotine products can meet the standards required for clearance from Medicines Healthcare and Regulatory Products Agency (MHRA) in the UK.

As the vaping industry continues to evolve, it's crucial to address the pressing concerns surrounding product safety, especially regarding potential allergens and appeal to young people. By collaborating with expert research and testing organisations like Broughton, manufacturers can ensure their products meet rigorous current standards and help customers understand any forthcoming regulations. Get in touch to find out more or visit our website.

[1] https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/vape-warning-christmas-appeal-8jfwjx7x7

[2] https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/

[3] https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2024/june/vaping-study.html

[4] https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/vape-warning-christmas-appeal-8jfwjx7x7

[5] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14176755/Vape-children-life-threatening-allergic-reactions.html