you trust your vape seller? Two illegal vapes were seized every minute from UK high streets last year [1], meaning millions of Brits have unknowingly purchased a fake vape. But most don’t realise the health impacts this can have.

Scientists have since discovered what’s inside them: nickel, copper, cadmium and lead, at levels that pose risks to anyone using them.

With 5.5 million Brits vaping daily and two-thirds unable to correctly identify an illegal vape [2], experts at Vape and Go are warning of five physical signs that your vape may contain harmful metals.

What did scientists find?

Scientists found ‘alarming levels’ of dangerous metals in a batch of illegal vapes seized during a UK raid. Their testing concluded that using unregulated vapes could lead to severe long-term health conditions like heart disease, strokes and anaemia [3].

Salman Essap from Vape and Go explains: “People assume that if a vape looks legitimate, it probably is. However, studies have found that their heating components could release metals such as lead and nickel ions into the internal liquid that then becomes the vapour people breathe.

“The scientists explained that while the toxicity varies from product to product, illegal vapes can cause cell death, change normal cell function and cause DNA damage, which can result in the development of cancers. And with the rising numbers of counterfeit vapes being seized, we can’t stress enough that people need to stay informed, take precautions and only purchase from registered suppliers.”

With more than 1.3 million illegal vapes confiscated in the UK last year, Brits should be wary of where they buy from, say experts from retailer Vape and Go.

Five signs your vape could contain harmful metals

Brain fog, memory lapses or difficulty concentrating
Lead exposure can cause neurological damage, with children and teens being especially vulnerable due to their developing brains. But adults are not immune. Research links chronic lead inhalation to cognitive decline and changes in brain structure, with some studies connecting these metals to early markers of neurodegenerative damage. In your day-to-day, this can look like memory loss, fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
These are common early indicators of metal poisoning. The use of illegal vapes can increase the chances of absorbing cadmium, which disrupts the body’s ability to absorb essential minerals like zinc and iron, which can present as persistent, unexplained tiredness.

Kidney discomfort or changes in urination
Cadmium, a metal found in illegal vapes, is highly toxic and can cause kidney damage. This can show up as kidney discomfort, such as pain in your sides or back, or urinary changes, such as blood in your urine or increased frequency of urination. The kidneys are among the primary organs through which heavy metals are processed and excreted, confirming that metals inhaled through devices do make it into the bloodstream and organs.

Skin reactions, rashes or unusual irritation
Nickel can cause dermatitis and respiratory disorders. Nickel allergy is already one of the most common contact allergies, but inhaling it provides a different level of exposure. If you’ve developed a new skin reaction alongside vaping with a device you didn’t buy from a registered retailer, nickel exposure is a plausible trigger worth investigating.

Persistent cough or shortness of breath that won’t clear
Nickel, found across counterfeit vapes, has been linked to respiratory diseases, including lung cancer. If your chest feels tight or your cough has changed in character, the heating coil may be the culprit.

How to spot an illegal vape

“Following discussions around ‘generation vape’ following the UK’s tobacco ban, it’s more important than ever that people spot the warning signs,” says Salman Essap.

Purchase from authorised sellers: Stick to places you know and trust. Most vape brands will include a list of authorised retailers on their own websites. Avoid unauthorised street vendors, online marketplaces and deals that seem too good to be true.
Inspect product quality: Authentic vapes are made with high-quality materials, so if it feels flimsy or cheap, it could be a fake. Any signs of loose parts or shoddy craftsmanship could indicate a counterfeit.
Check the packaging: Keep an eye out for misspellings, poor quality printing or odd-looking logos. Counterfeits often try to copy the packaging but miss certain specifics which can be spotted on closer inspection.
Verify serial numbers and authenticity codes: Some brands include serial numbers or QR codes on their packaging; make sure to take advantage of these and ensure it checks out.
Beware of unrealistic prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Keep an eye on market value and compare prices across different retailers to avoid being duped into a counterfeit.