Despite bans, warnings, and anti-vape campaigns, disposables are still one of the most in-demand vape products across the U.S. Now that most popular vape brands are banned, counterfeit disposables have filled the gap.
But what’s inside fake disposable vapes? The health dangers associated with legitimate disposables are bad enough, but people who use counterfeit vape products open the door to even worse health problems.
So, what’s the alternative? N.E.T. e-liquids are the next best thing to quitting smoking altogether. Once you understand the health concerns around disposables, you’ll want to switch to naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids.
The Fake Vape Problem
Although there has always been a black market for vape products, the fake vape problem accelerated to unprecedented levels in early 2020 when the FDA prohibited disposable vapes containing anything other than menthol or tobacco e-liquid.
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), and Juul Labs, Inc. are working with law enforcement and community leaders to promote public health and safety by keeping the public safe from fake vaping products.
What Are Fake Vapes?
Fake vapes, also known as counterfeit vapes, are e-cigarettes not authorized by the FDA. Typically, counterfeit vapes clone popular brands such as Elf Bar and JUUL, hoping to get a slice of the ever-growing e-cigarette pie.
It’s important to remember that counterfeit vapes and illegal vapes are different. Counterfeit disposable vapes try to deceive vapers into thinking they’ve bought the real deal. Illegal vapes are any products that don’t have an approved Pre-Market Tobacco Product Application (PMTA).
In other words, all counterfeit vapes are illegal, but not all illegal vapes are counterfeit.
Learn more about Black Note’s sustainable practices here.
Counterfeit Disposable Vapes in the U.S.
In 2023, the Associated Press released data from an anonymous source at the analytics firm IRI, showing that the FDA is unable to handle the influx of counterfeit vapes into the U.S.
Here are some of the key findings.
- There are more than 5,800 types of disposable vapes sold in U.S. stores, which is a 1,500% increase from 356 in 2020
- Almost all of the new products are flavored disposable vapes from China
- Most of the products mimic the designs and flavors of a few well-known vape brands, including Elf Bar and Puff Bar
Health Risks Associated With Fake Vapes
Thanks to the Associated Press, we know that disposable vapes are common, but are they also dangerous?
The simple answer is yes. The health risks of disposable vapes are wide and varied, and counterfeit vapes add a whole new dimension to the dilemma. Unregulated, untested, and unaccountable, these devices can spell disaster for your health.
Metals
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University sampled 56 e-cigarette devices from e-cigarette users and found cadmium in 55.1% of the tank samples and arsenic in 10.7% of the dispenser samples. These metals are thought to occur when e-liquid in the tank contacts the metal coil in the atomizer.
Although this research centers around legal vapes, it’s safe to assume that counterfeit vapes might have the same issue. After all, fake disposable vapes have the same internal workings as real vapes.
For an in-depth comparison, explore the Health Considerations of Naturally Extracted Tobacco E-liquid vs. Disposable Vapes.
Higher Nicotine Strengths
Higher nicotine strength means more of the product you love, so what’s the problem? Higher nicotine concentrations might seem appealing, especially in the tank of a counterfeit disposable vape that is half the price of the real thing.
Ultimately, nicotine is still an addictive chemical, and it can have disastrous consequences for your health. One review concluded that nicotine has widespread biological effects that “extend to all systems of the body including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems.”
There’s no way for consumers to know how much nicotine is in a counterfeit disposable vape. In the best-case scenario, consuming too much nicotine can cause nic sickness. In the worst-case scenario, excess nicotine consumption can cause death.
VAPE GUIDE
New to Vaping or Black Note?
Whether you're transitioning from smoking to vaping or seeking an upgrade to natural tobacco e-liquids, Black Note has you covered. Our quick, 15-second quiz and comprehensive guide are tailored to help both smokers and current vapers discover their ideal natural vaping alternatives.
Untested Flavorings
Untested e-liquid flavorings have forced the vape industry into the spotlight more than once. It’s not uncommon for vape manufacturers to use food flavorings without testing them for aerosol consumption. It’s only later that they discover the flavorings are extremely dangerous (and sometimes even fatal) when consumed through vaping.
This is true for diacetyl, the organic compound behind the popcorn lung epidemic in the early 2000s. This compound has a distinctive buttery flavor and, before vape brands started putting it in e-cigarettes, it was sprinkled on top of popcorn.
Workers in a popcorn plant in Missouri developed symptoms of a respiratory illness, including dry coughs, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The illness was later diagnosed as bronchiolitis obliterans, a condition that causes inflammation in the airways. 15 of the 511 workers died as a result of this flavoring mishap, but that didn’t stop vape brands from putting it in e-liquids.
More than a decade after discovering how harmful diacetyl is, researchers at Harvard found diacetyl in 47 of the 51 unique flavored e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. If legitimate manufacturers continue to use diacetyl in disposable vapes regardless of the health implications, who knows what chemicals are in counterfeit vape products.
Filler Ingredients
Filler ingredients are any additives, flavorings, or liquids that manufacturers use to stretch e-liquids further. This cost-cutting measure can be fatal, which Big Vape discovered as recently as 2019.
Doctors in the U.S. noticed a string of respiratory illnesses characterized by lung damage. Soon, they realized that all the hospitalized patients used vapes. The EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) epidemic peaked in September 2019.
At first, doctors were at a loss to explain the sudden onset condition. Then, the CDC took samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from EVALI patients and discovered that vitamin E acetate was present in all samples. Researchers speculate that vaping this synthetic form of vitamin E may create ketene, a toxic gas that causes serious lung injuries.
As of February 2020, the CDC had recorded 2,807 hospitalizations and 68 fatalities. What started as a filler ingredient designed to cut expenses transformed into a deadly product that ruined hundreds of lives.
Should I Avoid Illegal Vapes?
Although it’s safe to assume that counterfeit vapes are much more dangerous, illegal disposable vapes are still a cause for concern.
In 2022, the FDA collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to seize approximately 1.4 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products, including devices from brands such as Elf Bar.
Even though this brand has a recognizable name, it’s still part of a clandestine network of vape brands that have sidestepped the FDA’s PMTA Registry. Ultimately, the registry is designed to keep American citizens from coming into contact with dangerous products.
Want to learn more? We’ve taken a more in-depth look at the health considerations of using naturally extracted tobacco vs. disposable vapes.
How to Identify Fake Vapes
Here are a few ways to spot counterfeit vapes.
- Packaging Errors: Misspelled words, blurry logos, or missing branding elements.
- Poor Build Quality: Cheap materials, loose parts, or poorly fitted components.
- Missing Safety Features: No scratch-off codes or QR codes for verification.
- Price Too Low: Extremely low prices compared to market value.
- No Verification Option: Lack of serial numbers or codes for authenticity checks on the manufacturer’s website.
- Authenticity Verification: Reputable brands use holograms or QR codes on packaging for authenticity.
- Branding: Counterfeit vapes often have slightly altered logos, like extra bubbles or missing details.
- Design Quality: Blurry, off-center graphics or poor design usually indicate a fake product.
- Maximum Capacity: If the tank size exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications, it’s likely a counterfeit.
- Maximum Puff Count: Puff counts higher than what’s listed on the official site suggest a fake device.
How do I report a shop selling fake vapes?
Vape stores can unknowingly or intentionally sell counterfeit vapes, often sourced from unreliable suppliers. This is harmful to both consumers and the store’s credibility. If you suspect a shop is selling fake vapes, it’s important to take action by reporting the violation to relevant authorities. In the U.S., you can contact local health departments, consumer protection agencies, or report directly to the FDA through their hotline at 1-888-99-SMOKE or via their website, ensuring the issue is addressed and illegal products are removed from circulation.
N.E.T. E-liquids: A Trusted Alternative
N.E.T. e-liquids, also known as naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids, are a much safer alternative to disposable vapes. This type of e-liquid stands apart from the counterfeit, unnecessarily dangerous products on the market.
- Only contains natural nicotine
- Only contains natural flavorings
- No additional additives
When you choose Black Note’s N.E.T. e-liquids, you never have to worry about diacetyl, vitamin E acetate, or any other extra chemicals. Of course, that’s not the only benefit.
Read Disposable Vapes vs. Premium E-liquids: What’s the Difference? for more information.
Benefits of Naturally Extracted Tobacco
- Authentic flavor profiles: Black Note’s flavors only ever come from the tobacco plant, so you can expect authentic, full-bodied sensations.
- Make switching easier: Switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes is so much easier with N.E.T. e-liquids. You get recognizable, high-quality flavor profiles that taste just like cigarettes.
- No extra chemicals: You can’t trust illegitimate (or even legitimate) vape brands to eliminate dangerous additives from their e-liquids, but you can rely on Black Note.
- Tastes like a traditional cigarette: Black Note’s naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids have been compared to Marlboro, Lucky Strike, and Benson & Hedges cigarettes.
The CDC has confirmed 805 cases nationwide, and NBC News has confirmed that hundreds more are under investigation in a total of 47 states. Interviews with 514 patients reviewed by the CDC revealed some similarities among the cases, but not enough to link any single product, substance or vape brand to the illnesses.
FAQ’s:
How can I identify a fake vape?
Fake vapes can be identified by poor build quality, missing or incorrect logos, mismatched packaging, and missing safety features such as scratch-off verification codes. Additionally, if the price is significantly lower than the market rate, it could be a sign of a counterfeit product. Always check for verification codes on the manufacturer’s website.
Are counterfeit vapes more dangerous than regular vapes?
Yes, counterfeit vapes can be more dangerous because they often contain unregulated ingredients like toxic metals, unsafe nicotine concentrations, and harmful chemicals, which can cause serious health issues, including lung injuries.
What are the health risks of using fake vapes?
The risks include exposure to toxic metals, untested flavorings, dangerously high nicotine levels, and harmful filler ingredients such as vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to lung injuries and fatalities in past vape-related epidemics.
Why should I switch from disposable vapes to N.E.T. e-liquids?
Naturally Extracted Tobacco (N.E.T.) e-liquids, like those from Black Note, provide a safer alternative to disposable vapes by containing only natural nicotine and flavorings without dangerous additives like diacetyl or vitamin E acetate. They offer an authentic tobacco flavor without the health risks of synthetic chemicals found in disposables.
How do N.E.T. e-liquids compare to traditional cigarettes?
N.E.T. e-liquids offer a flavor profile similar to traditional cigarettes, such as Marlboro or Lucky Strike, providing an easier transition for smokers looking to switch to vaping without the harmful chemicals found in both cigarettes and disposable vapes.
What steps has the FDA taken to combat counterfeit vapes?
The FDA has worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize millions of unauthorized e-cigarette products, including popular counterfeit brands like Elf Bar. However, the sheer volume of fake products entering the U.S. remains a significant challenge.
Where do counterfeit vapes come from?
Counterfeit vapes typically originate from unregulated manufacturers, often based overseas. These manufacturers produce fake versions of popular vape products using substandard materials and processes. They then distribute these fakes through unauthorized retailers or online marketplaces, where they can easily be mistaken for genuine products. Always purchase from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit items.
Can vape stores sell fake vapes?
Yes, vape stores can unknowingly or knowingly sell fake vapes. Some retailers may purchase counterfeit products from unverified suppliers due to lower costs. It’s essential for stores to source products directly from authorized distributors or manufacturers and verify their authenticity to protect customers and maintain their reputation.
How do I report a shop selling fake vapes?
If you suspect a shop is selling counterfeit vapes, you can report the violation to your local health authority, consumer protection agency, or the FDA. For U.S. residents, the FDA can be contacted through their hotline at 1-888-99-SMOKE, or you can report directly through their website.
Try Black Note Today
Want to try a safer, tastier alternative to disposable vapes? Start with Virginia Tobacco, one of our most popular naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids. The mellow, slightly sweet taste is similar to Marlboro, L&M, and Chesterfield cigarettes.
It offers the rich, authentic flavor of real tobacco without any artificial additives, giving you a smoother and more satisfying vaping experience. If you’re transitioning from smoking traditional cigarettes or simply looking for a premium, natural alternative to synthetic e-liquids, Virginia Tobacco is an excellent choice.
Additionally, with Black Note’s commitment to quality, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that our e-liquids contain only naturally extracted tobacco, free from harmful chemicals found in disposable vapes like diacetyl and vitamin E acetate.
Whether you’re a longtime vaper or just beginning to explore e-liquids, Black Note offers a truly elevated experience that’s as close to real tobacco as you can get, without the risks. Explore our full range of flavors and discover a healthier, more authentic way to enjoy vaping today!
About The Author
Lexi Burgess, Follow me on LinkedIn
I keep my ear to the ground to report on Big Vape, emerging health research, and new vape legislation. When the ever-changing landscape of the vape industry isn’t on my mind, I play badminton and read old horror novels.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company, including Black Note and its affiliates. The author, who is not a medical professional, writes this blog post without intending to offer medical advice or replace advice or treatment from a personal physician.
This blog post discusses tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and related substances, intended solely for adult use and potentially harmful to health. We advise all readers/users of this content to quit smoking and/or vaping, or to consult a doctor before starting or continuing to smoke and/or vape.
The author, the blog, Black Note, and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any actions or inaction a reader takes based on the information presented in this blog. We do not intend this content to promote smoking or vaping, and readers should interpret it accordingly.
