Callum Jones
A new study has revealed how dirty vapes compare to public toilets and the results will certainly surprise you.
While many people use vapes as an alternative for smoking, the actual hygiene surrounding the smoking alternative has now been revealed.
Americans often take up vaping as a healthier substitute to cigarettes. Of course, studies have found vaping is not good for us, but it's used as an alternative by millions to help quit smoking.
But many won't see vaping as more detrimental to our health than smoking tobacco, though some studies have found them to be just as bad.
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Away from all of that though, a recent bit of research found that vape devices are more than 2,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat - meaning you are actually better off licking the loo than sticking a vape between your lips. Not that I'd advise it either.
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The research, which was conducted experts over at HAYPP and a leading microbiologist in the UK, came to their findings after two weeks of research gathering.
A refillable pod-style vape, made up of a reusable body and detachable mouthpiece was used, with scientists having took swabs at various intervals, which were then cultured and analysed for yeast, mould, and specific bacterial species in a lab.
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This was done to 'emulate the real-world use of both reusable vapes and pod systems', as they sought to find out 'how residue and bacteria can accumulate' on these devices.
Scientists found that one particular component of vapes - the mouthpiece - is a prominent 'breeding ground' for bacteria because of its 'warm, moist environment'.
Just three days into their research, experts found that the level of bacteria and fungi on the vape were 2,300 times worse than on a toilet seat.
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"This evidence highlights the critical importance of regular cleaning and exceptional hygiene for vape devices," said Reynold Mpofu, a microbiologist from BioTest Labs.
"Laboratory analysis revealed that the mouthpiece is the dirtiest component of the vape. This isn’t surprising given that the human mouth, largely considered to be one of the ‘dirtiest’ parts of the body, harbours approximately 700 species of bacteria, that amounts to billions of individual bacteria.
"The absence of protective coverings on most vape mouthpieces, coupled with residual heat and moisture provide the optimal conditions for microbial colonisation."
The microbiologist explained the study highlights the 'critical importance of regular cleaning and exceptional hygiene' when using a vape.