Vapes and e-cigarettes have 3,000 times more germs than the average toilet seat.
The discovery comes from a new analysis by BioLabTests in Coventry, which found that after just three days of use, the mouthpiece of a strawberry-ice Lost Mary vape contained around 150,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) – “as many as 3,000 times more than the bacteria found on a typical public toilet”, the lab reported.
Microbiologist Reynold Mpofu, who led the investigation, said “every touch and puff” fuels microbial growth.
He warned: “This evidence highlights the critical importance of regular cleaning and exceptional hygiene for vape devices.”
The rapid build-up occurs because vape mouthpieces mimic the “warm, moist environment” that microbes thrive in.
According to Mpofu, it is “not surprising given that the human mouth harbours approximately 700 species of bacteria”.
But the mouthpiece isn’t the only problem, as tests found bacterial and fungal growth across the entire vape body, including E. coli, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus – all commonly found on human hands, bathroom surfaces and in the environment.
Researchers believe many devices may even develop biofilms – slimy microbial communities that cling stubbornly to plastic and are notoriously difficult to remove.
Mpofu said: “Much like phones, vapes are frequently handled and placed on a variety of surfaces.
“This provides the perfect opportunity for microbes to transfer to the device.”
With 5.4 million vapers now in the UK – more than the number of cigarette smokers – hygiene has become a growing concern.
Markus Lindblad of Haypp, which co-commissioned the study, urged users to clean devices far more often.
He said: “We recommend wiping down both the mouthpiece and body every three days … most advice online recommends once a week; however, our research shows this is far too long.”
Experts have said the findings do not change the fact that vaping is still less harmful than smoking, but they do highlight an overlooked risk hiding in plain sight.
