Newcastle expert says stockpiling disposable vapes raises serious fire safety risks
It is after new research reveals 82% of people across the North East are already stockpiling ahead of the upcoming ban
Fire experts are urging people across the North East to not stockpile disposable vapes ahead of the ban and explore other options.
With the UK’s disposable vape ban fast approaching, a wave of stockpiling is already underway and experts are warning it could spark more than just panic buying.
From fire risks linked to poor storage of devices and confusion over safer alternatives, the rush to hoard disposable vapes is quickly becoming a public safety concern.
New research from Haypp reveals a staggering 82% of current vape users living in the North East plan to stock up ahead of the 1st June 2025 ban, with 37% planning to buy a three-month supply, and 28% admitting they’ll purchase enough to last more than six months.
16% say they will stock up for one month, and 18% for up to six months, signalling a widespread rush to hoard products before they disappear from shelves.
Paul Christensen, Professor Emeritus of Electrochemistry at Newcastle University, said: "If we're looking at a legal vape, so it has to be abused.
"If it's heated or crushed, you're going to get about a litre of toxic and explosive gas that includes up to 30% to 50% hydrogen.
"Now that will be at a pressure that's around 60 atmospheres. So, what you're looking at there is explosive ignition and potentially blow torch like flames.
"Even small lithium-ion batteries can develop into major fires, full house or flat fires within minutes, and often before the Fire and Rescue services can arrive.
"Worse still, illegal vapes can have much, much bigger batteries and so we're looking at a significantly greater hazard.
"Risk is not just a function of the hazard, which is very high and the probability, which certainly with legal vapes is low, but it's also a function of the number of vapes you have.
"With illegal vapes, we are very concerned about the quality of the manufacture of these and that impacts on probability as well.
"Don't stockpile. If you absolutely must stockpile, then obviously don't buy illegal vapes ever, and store preferably away from the home, away from direct sunlight and away from any heat sources."