SHORTFILLS

Vapouround journalists Emily Malia and Grace Lynk select their top picks of short vape-related stories and research making news around the world.

WHEN IN R ohm

The Roman heritage of Colchester has been unsurfaced once more. A coloured mosaic of Roman descent has been discovered beneath the pavement outside a vape shop, of all places. A project is currently under way for this piece of hidden history to be permanently revealed beneath glass, with hopes for it to be completed by the end of summer. With over 40 mosaics having been discovered over the past two centuries in the former Roman capital of Britain, it’s easy to see why Colchester was granted city status in 2022.

K- Papped

BTS’s youngest member Jungkook streamed live to his adoring fans on the platform ‘Weverse’ when he soon spotted his disposable vape was in the shot. The Bangtan boy casually discarded the vape quickly out of viewers sight, but it seems it was a little too late. Most South Korean pop stars are held to a high standard and are expected to maintain a polished image, however, fans soon jumped online to defend the star’s actions. With one tweeting: “Who are we to judge him? He is a grown adult and it’s his life!”

EVA-Lies

It comes as no surprise that another article bashing vaping has reached the main steam headlines. In wake of a constant stream of misinformation, now LADbible have piled in, warning their readers on the ‘dangers’ of EVALI. Referring to e-cigarette/vaping associated lung injuries, EVALI is generating a panic for those with vaping devices when the real origin of this lung disease comes from a lack of information. Vitamin E acetate found in illegal THC cartridges was discovered to be the primary cause of the lung injuries, not the commercial nicotine e-liquids that have no trace of this ingredient.

MONEY, POWER AND Vapes?

Pop sensation Lana Del Rey has once again elected vaping as her muse. In her newest album, she incorporates her passion for vaping in the lyrics of ‘Taco Truck x VB’. In her sultry, 1950s Americana voice, she sings “Pass me my vape, I’m feeling sick, I need to take a puff”; a lyric that rings true with many avid vapers. This isn’t the first time Del Rey has used vaping as inspiration in her songs, as ‘White Dress’ also samples the sound of her vaping, immortalising her e-cigarette in music.

THEY'RE DOING What?

Members of the public are calling for a complete ban of disposable vaping products on the shelves of Sainsbury’s following Elf Bar’s controversy earlier this year. The retail giant has launched a review that may see disposable vapes being displayed behind the counter like cigarettes instead. With Sainsbury’s hoping the move will help restrict the access young people currently have to vapes. Although selling disposables behind the counter isn’t a major blow for the industry, both the UK and Scottish government are considering a ban that would remove e-cigarettes from all responsible retailers permanently.

ONE SMOKER Every Minute 4.3M VAPERS IN THE UK

New research from Cancer Research UK has shown that smoking remains the largest cause of cancer and death each year. With smokers that quit, potentially freeing up thousands of GP appointments across the UK. Up to 75,000 appointments are currently not available due to smoking-related issues, with one person every minute being admitted to hospitals across England on account of their cigarette use. Off the back of this study, Cancer Research UK has once again urged the British government to push the ban on smoking to ensure those in desperate need of care have it readily available.

I’M A CELEBRITY GET ME... A Vape?

Ant McPartlin, one half of the duo Ant and Dec, stepped out to shop with his wife and trusty vape device in hand. Wrapped up in a tweed coat, paired with a bright orange beanie, Britain’s much-loved presenter was papped puffing on a mod style device. The trip into West London is thought to be after their double date with his righthand man Declan Donnelly and wife Ali, after the pair of Geordie boys took to Wembley for Newcastle’s Carabao Cup loss against Manchester United.

Beach You TO IT!

A number of popular tourist destinations across the Spanish Balearic Islands are increasing their smoke-free zones to improve health standards. Beaches across Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca are the main hotspots featured in this potential ban on cigarettes. The initiative started in 2019 and has now expanded to 28 beaches with the aim to create a network of healthier, environmentally friendly coastlines. Cigarette butts are among the most discarded plastic waste products in public spaces, leading to unnecessary litter washed up on the coast.

REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE Vapes

A UK based vaping company, Blo Bar, have implemented a new initiative called the ‘Disposable Vape Recycling Scheme’ that will provide university students with a free vape for every ten recycled. The scheme aims to prevent discarded vapes from finding their way to landfills when the lithium in them could be put to good use as recycled resources for car batteries. Recycling hopefuls will be able to send their ten disposables to Blo Bar using a free postage label. The company will then correctly recycle the items before sending a free vape device in return.