Health specialists have issued an urgent alert to the 5.6 million people who vape in the United Kingdom, warning that shared or unclean devices can harbour dangerous bacteria and viruses, including flu, E. coli, and the herpes simplex virus.
Recent estimates show that around 11 percent of the UK population now use vape devices, a figure that has surpassed the number of smokers for the first time. However, many users remain unaware of how rapidly harmful microbes can accumulate on devices that are not cleaned regularly.
A laboratory study conducted for nicotine pouch brand HAYPP by microbiologist Reynold Mpofu at BioLabTests revealed that vapes can become shockingly contaminated within only 72 hours of initial use. After three days, bacteria and fungal growth on the devices reached levels around 3,000 times higher than those typically found on a public toilet seat.
The analysis identified the presence of Staphylococcus and Bacillus, as well as the faecal bacterium E. coli, which is associated with urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal illness. Yeast and mould also proliferated at an extreme pace, reaching levels too dense for laboratory measurement by the third day.
The mouthpiece was found to be the most contaminated part of the device. The warm and moist conditions created during use provide an ideal environment for rapid microbial growth, particularly when the device is not cleaned frequently.
Previous research has already indicated that sharing vape devices can trigger the reactivation and transmission of the herpes virus, including the spread of cold sores. Sharing saliva through vape use also increases the likelihood of passing on respiratory infections such as Covid-19 and seasonal flu, the latter currently circulating at unusually high November levels due to the H3N2 variant.
To minimise the risk of infection, experts recommend wiping both the mouthpiece and body of the vape every three days with a cloth dampened in antibacterial cleaner or with an alcohol wipe. Devices with removable parts should be taken apart and cleaned individually, with particular attention paid to the mouthpiece to prevent the build-up of bacteria or residue.
Microbiology specialists emphasise that the mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species, making any device placed against it vulnerable to rapid contamination. The lack of protective coverings on most vape mouthpieces, combined with residual heat, moisture, and exposure to pockets, bags, and everyday surfaces, creates highly favourable conditions for microbial accumulation.
