'Stop using them' - HSE issues urgent warning for four popular vapes sold across Ireland

The HSE has issued an urgent public warning about four vape products sold across Ireland.

European product safety alerts were issued for the four products, prompting the HSE to make the appeal to both consumers and retailers due to the excessive nicotine concentrations found.

Test results for the four products showed the legal nicotine concentration of 20mg/ml was exceeded, with sample results ranging between 26.9mg/ml and >30 mg/ml. 

The products involved are:

• ADADA A8 1200 puff. Sub-brands (flavours): Vanilla Coke
• The Crystal PRO MAX 4000+ puff. Sub-brands (flavours): Watermelon Ice BatchNo.  MAX20230407 
• Savage Vape. Sub-brands (flavours): Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava 5% Nicotine
• McKesse MK Bar 7000 12ml. Sub-brand (flavour): Lime Mojito 12ml. Batch Number: Exp: 31/12/2023

In a statement on Thursday, the HSE said: "As a precautionary measure, the HSE are advising consumers to check the electronic cigarettes they may have against the products involved in these alerts.

"If they have any of these products, they should stop using them and return them to the shop where they were purchased. If they have used these products and experienced any ill effects, they should contact their General Practitioner for advice and notify the HSE at info.tpd@hse.ie," they advised. 

Dr Maurice Mulcahy Regional Chief Environmental Health Officer said: “Retailers need to make themselves fully aware of their legal obligations and put in place robust and effective supplier controls. We recommend retailers satisfy themselves that the products they sell are legally compliant and have been duly notified to the HSE via the European Common Entry Gate system (EU CEG).

"The HSE National Environmental Health Service is increasingly finding non complaint and unsafe products on the Irish market and will continue to use its extensive legal powers to protect the public up to and including product seizure, product destruction and prosecutions.”