A health expert has issued a warning about the use of Elf Bars, the sweet-tasting single-use sprays that can be purchased at kiosks and department stores.

Despite the view that vaping is “generally” better than cigarettes, Dr. Gareth Nye, a professor and researcher at the University of Chester, said there is still “reasonable” potential for lung damage and cancer.

Elf bars have become extremely popular across the UK, with the IndeJuice online vaping platform seeing a whopping 279% increase in disposable vaping sales in the final quarter of 2021.

However, Dr Nye has predicted that “an entire generation” of people in their thirties will suffer from lung disease over the next 10 years.



Disposable electronic cigarettes in hand close-up on blue background with shadows

talk to The mirrorHe warned: “There is limited scientific evidence on these products, mainly [regarding] the liquid used to vape, rather than the vape device itself.

He said the liquid in vaporizers like Elf Bars may contain nicotine and some of the other harmful and toxic carcinogens found in cigarettes.

For this reason, vaporizers can still cause lung damage and cancer, as well as cardiovascular damage.

Dr. Nye added that although e-cigarettes do not contain the carbon monoxide and tar found in regular cigarettes, there are other chemicals found in vaporizers that can cause permanent damage to smokers’ lungs.



Yellow disposable electronic cigarette in a woman's hand

“A 2018 study showed that e-cigarette users had concentrations of volatile metals and chemicals (toluene, benzene and carbon disulfide) comparable to those of cigarette smokers,” he said.

“It’s the chemicals that cause lasting lung damage.”

In addition to lung damage, vaping has also been linked to oral cancers as well as dental conditions such as tooth decay.

Dr Nye urged people to think before inhaling chemicals into the lungs, which he explained triggers a reaction in our immune system, which in turn damages the lungs.

When we have damaged our lung tissue, it is more difficult for our body to oxygenate the blood. It means the pressure is exerted on our hearts because they have to work harder.

“There is a disturbing idea among young people that Elf vaporizers and bars are 100% safe, which is simply not true,” said Dr Nye.

“Even the nicotine-free versions aren’t safe.”

A recent medRxiv study showed a 14-fold increase in the number of vapers using disposable e-cigarettes like Elf Bars, from 1.2% to 16.7%.

Popular Elf Bar flavors include watermelon, apple, and blueberry.

reached out to Elf Bar for comment.

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