Electronic Cigarettes
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of unregulated vaping products containing (a) undisclosed and (b) prohibited substances on people's health.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
While vaping is less harmful than smoking and can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, there has been increasing uptake of youth vaping and long-term harms are unknown.
The Department recently ran a call for evidence which included questions on ingredients and substances within vapes that could pose health risks. The Department is currently analysing the results, alongside data provided by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and we are considering future measures as part of secondary legislation.
The health impact of any undisclosed or prohibited substance would depend on the specific substance and the way in which it interacts with the human body. To better understand long-term health harms, in 2025 we announced a landmark ten-year study to investigate the long-term health effects of youth vaping, alongside wider influences on adolescent health.
Unregulated and illegal vapes can contain higher levels of toxicants and nicotine than regulated products and have been found to contain dangerous metals. Vapes containing controlled drugs, including spice, are illegal and a matter for the police and Border Force. The Government is also investing up to £10 million of new funding per year until 2028/29 in Trading Standards to tackle illicit sales, including by hiring 120 Trading Standards apprentices across England.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →