“UK Urged to Ban ‘Monster Vape’ Kits with Over 8,000 Puff Capacity”
A senior Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Beccy Cooper, from the Labour Party and a public health doctor, is pushing for the Tobacco & Vapes Bill in the UK to close legal gaps exploited by the sale of 100,000-puff vape kits.
After the ban on disposable vapes last year, these high-capacity kits have gained popularity, raising concerns for public health and compliance with existing regulations.
Dr. Cooper emphasized that these ‘monster vapes’ circumvent restrictions on tank size and disposable vape bans. She stressed the need to address regulatory loopholes through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to protect public health and maintain efforts towards a smoke-free Britain.
Campaigners have highlighted concerns that some manufacturers are skirting regulations by incorporating multiple 2ml tanks in a single device. Before the disposable vape ban, mega-puff devices accounted for a significant portion of the market, indicating a growing trend.
Material Focus, an advocate for circular economies, has warned about the affordability and environmental impact of these ‘big puff’ vapes compared to disposable ones.
The 100,000-puff vape kits, available in various flavors, meet reuse criteria but may lead to increased waste if users opt for fresh devices instead of reusing them. This behavior contradicts the purpose of the disposable vape ban to reduce environmental harm.
While vaping has been promoted as a smoking cessation aid, health experts caution that the long-term effects are still unknown. It is advised that non-smokers and children should avoid vaping.
The ongoing Tobacco and Vapes Bill, moving through the House of Lords, aims to prevent individuals born after January 1, 2009, from purchasing cigarettes in the future.