Vaping
Vaping.
Do you know what’s in it?
Lots of young people are buying vapes from shops, friends and social media that are illegal, fake or unregulated. Many have no idea what they are really breathing in. This guide explains the chemicals, the risks, the long-term effects, and where to get help to cut down or stop.
1 in 6 vapes confiscated in English schools contained spice.
The numbers don’t lie.
Young people’s vaping has levelled off, but hundreds of thousands still vape, and many of the vapes they use aren’t what they think.
What are you really breathing in?
Even legal vapes contain chemicals. Illegal and fake vapes can contain much more, and there is no way to know just by looking.
Even legal, regulated vapes
- Nicotine, a highly addictive drug, in most vapes
- Propylene glycol and glycerine, the liquids that make the “cloud”
- Flavourings, which are safe to eat but not tested for breathing in
- Chemicals made when the liquid is heated, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, in small amounts
- Tiny metal particles from the heating coil
What testing has found
- Lead, which damages the brain and nervous system
- Nickel and chromium, at many times the safe level
- Much higher levels of harmful chemicals, in some cases more than cigarettes
- Far more nicotine than the legal limit
- Spice (synthetic cannabinoids), THC and even ketamine, sold as “normal” vapes
The vape that sends young people to hospital
Some vapes sold as THC (cannabis) vapes, or even as normal nicotine vapes, actually contain spice, a man-made drug that can be far stronger than cannabis. You can’t tell by looking, smelling or tasting.
Young people across England have collapsed and been taken to hospital after using these vapes, sometimes after just a few puffs.
999 If someone collapsesWarning signs after vaping
- Sudden panic, paranoia or hallucinations
- Being sick, very dizzy or confused
- A racing heartbeat or chest pain
- Fitting (seizures), collapsing or not responding
Call 999 if someone collapses, has a seizure or can’t be woken. Put them on their side in the recovery position, stay with them, and keep the vape to show paramedics.
How to spot an illegal vape
Illegal vapes are often cheaper, have bigger tanks and promise thousands of puffs. That’s exactly what makes them dangerous: they are made without any safety checks, so no one knows what’s inside.
Since June 2025, single-use disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK, so any disposable you are sold now is illegal.
It is also illegal for anyone to sell vapes to under-18s, or for an adult to buy them for someone under 18.
The effects on your body and mind.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking for adults trying to quit, but it is not safe, and it is not for young people. Young people’s lungs and brains are still developing, which makes them more sensitive to its effects. Because vaping is still new, no one yet knows the long-term risks.
Addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive, and the developing brain gets hooked faster. Many young people find they can’t go long without a vape.
Brain development
Nicotine can affect the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, memory and mood, which keep developing until your mid-20s.
Lungs and breathing
Vaping can irritate the lungs and airways, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, and can make asthma worse.
Mood and anxiety
Nicotine cravings and withdrawal can cause irritability, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping. Many people vape to feel calm, but it can make anxiety worse.
Heart
Nicotine raises your heart rate and blood pressure.
Too much nicotine
High-strength illegal vapes can cause nicotine poisoning: feeling sick, being sick, dizziness, headaches and a fast heartbeat.
Burns and fires
Cheap, fake vapes and batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode, especially when charged overnight or with the wrong charger.
Mouth and teeth
Vaping can cause a dry mouth, sore throat and gum irritation.
For parents and carers
Stay curious, not furious. Ask what they know about vaping, what their friends do, and why people vape. Listen more than you talk.
Share the facts. Many young people don’t know that illegal vapes can contain lead, spice or far more nicotine than the legal limit.
Don’t panic if they’re hooked. Stopping suddenly can be hard. Free support is available to help them cut down and stop.
Report illegal sellers. If a shop is selling to children or selling illegal vapes, report it to Trading Standards. You don’t have to give your name to the shop.
Get help to stop.
Free, confidential support for young people and families in London, Essex and Kent, plus how to report illegal sellers.
Anywhere, any time
FRANK
Facts about vapes, nicotine, spice and THC, and confidential advice for young people and parents.
0300 123 6600 · text 82111Visit website →NHSNHS Smokefree
Free help and advice to quit smoking or vaping, including the NHS Quit Smoking app.
Visit website →For young peopleChildline
Free, confidential support for under-19s about anything, including vaping and peer pressure.
0800 1111Visit website →Report illegal sellersCitizens Advice consumer helpline
Report shops selling vapes to under-18s or selling illegal vapes. Your report goes to your local Trading Standards.
0808 223 1133Make a report →Urgent medical adviceNHS 111
If you feel unwell after vaping and it isn’t an emergency. In an emergency, call 999.
111Visit website →London
Live Well Havering: vaping and quitting
Local information and support to stop smoking and vaping in Havering.
Visit website →Havering · ages 10 to 18Wize Up Havering (Change Grow Live)
Free support for young people worried about spice, THC or other substances in vapes, and their families.
07920 807 726Visit website →Every London boroughFind your local service
Every London borough has free young people’s drug and alcohol support. Enter your postcode on FRANK to find yours.
Search by postcode →Essex
Break the Vape (The Children’s Society)
4 to 6 free sessions with a vaping practitioner to help young people cut down and quit, face to face, online or by phone. Young people can refer themselves.
Refer yourself →For parentsClear the Air
Essex campaign for parents of 10 to 12-year-olds, with myth-busting facts and help to talk about vaping.
Visit website →Essex Trading StandardsReport illegal vapes in Essex
Report shops in Essex selling illegal vapes or selling vapes to under-18s by email to Essex County Council.
tobacco.vapes@essex.gov.ukSend a report →Essex · under 25Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service
Support for young people worried about spice, THC or other drugs in vapes. Covers Essex, apart from Southend and Thurrock.
01245 493311Visit website →Kent
One You Kent Smokefree
Free one-to-one or group support from a Smokefree Adviser, face to face or by phone. Free nicotine replacement for over-12s. Call to ask about help with vaping.
0300 123 1220Visit website →Kent · young peopleWe Are With You: Kent for Young People
Free, confidential support for young people worried about spice, THC or other drugs. Young people and parents can refer.
01795 500881Visit website →MedwayMedway young people’s service
Medway has its own service, separate from Kent. Enter your postcode on FRANK to find it.
Search by postcode →Sources
- ASH: Smokefree GB Youth Survey 2026 fact sheet
- College of Policing: Spice vapes in schools
- Vapes seized from school pupils contain lead, nickel and chromium
- NHS: Young people and vaping
- Change Grow Live: How to identify illegal vaping products
- Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026
- Essex Safeguarding Children Board: Youth vaping
- Kent County Council: Smoking and young people
- Havering Council: Stopping smoking saves lives
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Statistics and service details were checked in October 2026 and may change. In an emergency, always call 999.