New study reveals your vape is 3,000 times filthier than a public toilet seat, harbouring high levels of concerning bacteria and mould.
A new study has delivered a shocking public hygiene warning: the mouthpiece of your vape is an incubator for bacteria, reaching a contamination level that makes it significantly filthier than a public toilet seat. Specifically, researchers found the vape mouthpiece harbors up to 3,000 times more microbes than a typical public toilet seat, according to analysis by BioLabTests.
The study, which examined a popular disposable vape over a two-week period, found that after just three days of use, microbial colonies multiplied rapidly. This extreme contamination level is no accident; it is the direct result of the vape’s warm, moist environment—the perfect breeding ground for microbes.
The Science of the Filthier Device
Microbiologists identified several concerning microorganisms on the mouthpiece and body of the vape, including bacteria that indicate poor hygieneE. coli and Enterococcus: These are often associated with fecal contamination and bathroom environments.
Staphylococcus and Bacillus: Commonly found on human skin and in dust.
Yeast and Mould: Organisms that thrive in moisture and can potentially cause respiratory irritation.
The rapid build-up is due to the vape being constantly handled, placed on various dirty surfaces (pockets, tables, etc.), and repeatedly exposed to the 700+ species of bacteria naturally residing in the human mouth. The continuous transfer of germs makes the device exponentially filthier over time.
Preventing the Filth
While vaping is often considered a less harmful alternative to smoking, this study highlights an entirely separate and immediate hygiene risk. The extreme filthier state of the vape mouthpiece means users are inhaling and ingesting high levels of potentially harmful bacteria with every puff.
The recommendation is clear: treat your vape like your smartphone, which is also notoriously dirty. Experts urge vapers to make cleaning a non-negotiable ritual, advising the use of an alcohol or antibacterial wipe on the mouthpiece and body every few days.
