Counterfeit vapes are not just a financial scam — they pose serious health and safety risks:
| Risk | Genuine Device | Counterfeit Device |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine concentration | Accurately labeled (5% / 50mg/ml) | May vary wildly — 0-80mg/ml tested in seized samples |
| E-liquid ingredients | Known formulation (PG/VG/nicotine/flavoring) | Unknown chemicals, untested additives, potential contaminants |
| Coil material | Mesh coils, food-grade materials | Substandard metals, possible heavy metal leaching |
| Battery quality | Tested, safety-protected cells | Unprotected cells, fire and explosion risk |
| Manufacturing hygiene | ISO-certified factory | Unregulated workshop, no sanitation standards |
| Quality control | Batch testing, defect screening | None |
The FDA has issued public warnings about the health risks of counterfeit vape products, noting that consumers cannot know what they are inhaling. If you have health concerns related to vaping, read our VapeScan heart health study analysis and consult a healthcare provider.
