You might want to think twice before taking your next puff. A startling new scientific investigation has uncovered that the mouthpiece of a typical e-cigarette can harbour up to 3,000 times more bacteria and fungi than the average public toilet seat.
A Laboratory Investigation into Vape Contamination
Researchers from the independent laboratory BioLabTests in Coventry partnered with online nicotine retailer Haypp to conduct a series of controlled experiments. They meticulously tracked the microbial growth on a popular strawberry ice flavoured Lost Mary vape over a two-week period.
The device was swabbed immediately after being unboxed and then repeatedly after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, and a full fortnight of typical use. The results were alarming. Experts observed a rapid explosion in microbial colonies beginning between the second and third day of use.
By day three, the swabbed vape mouthpiece was found to contain approximately 150,000 individual colony-forming units (CFUs) of fungi and bacteria. This staggering number represents the upper detection limit of the laboratory's equipment and is a shocking 3,000 times greater than the 50 CFUs typically found on a square inch of a public toilet seat.
The Dirtiest Part of Your Vape and What's Growing There
Reynold Mpofu, a microbiologist at BioLabTests, stated that the analysis clearly identified the mouthpiece as the most contaminated component. "This isn’t surprising," Mpofu explained, "given that the human mouth, largely considered to be one of the dirtiest parts of the body, harbours approximately 700 species of bacteria."
The warm, moist environment created by every puff provides the perfect breeding ground for a host of microorganisms. While the mouthpiece was the worst affected, the body of the vape also showed significant bacterial and fungal growth, nearing the lab's maximum detection limit.
The study identified several specific microbes on the tested device, including:
- Bacillus - commonly found in dust and the air.
- E. coli - indicates possible faecal contamination.
- Yeast and mould - can cause respiratory irritation.
- Staphylococcus - normally harmless but can cause infection.
- Enterococcus - intestinal bacteria that can persist on surfaces.
Mpofu suggested that the presence of these microbes points to transfer from unwashed hands or contaminated surfaces. "Much like phones, vapes are frequently handled and placed on a variety of surfaces, allowing germs, oils, and dirt from hands, pockets and various environments to latch on the device," he said.
Urgent Call for Improved Vape Hygiene Practices
This new evidence highlights a significant and overlooked public health concern, especially given that 5.4 million people in the UK now regularly use e-cigarettes, outnumbering traditional smokers.
While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking tobacco, it is not risk-free. The NHS and health experts have already linked vaping to heart failure, lung disease, and gum disease. The discovery of heavy microbial contamination adds another potential layer of health risk, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
In response to the findings, the experts issue a clear recommendation: clean your vape regularly and thoroughly. Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Haypp, advises, "We recommend wiping down both the mouthpiece and body every three days with a cloth dampened in antibacterial cleaner or using an alcohol wipe."
He emphasised that common online advice suggesting a weekly clean is insufficient. "Our research shows this is far too long between cleans," Lindblad confirmed. For devices with interchangeable parts, he recommends taking them apart to clean each piece individually, ensuring no bacteria or residue is left behind.
This simple hygiene step could be crucial in mitigating the unseen risks associated with the UK's most popular smoking alternative.
