Trading Standards: Electronics cigarettes 100% failure rate in safety tests

A recent survey carried out by the six North Wales Trading Standards services into the safety of electronic cigarettes has revealed some worrying results. 

Staff from North Wales Trading Standards testing electronic cigarettes.

Twelve adaptors and ten electronic cigarettes were purchased across the six authorities and Flintshire, the lead authority collated the results.

The results from the exercise revealed 100 per cent failure rate against safety regulations.

A significant number of the charging adaptors failed to comply with electrical safety requirements, whilst all of the electronic cigarettes assessed were found to be lacking adequate instructions and markings, leading to concerns that users are unaware of how to charge the devices safely.

Follow up action will be carried out by each local authority in connection with the matter and steps will be taken to remove all unsafe devices that were identified in the survey, from sale.

Trading Standards services would advise consumers who purchase electronic cigarettes to always check that products are supplied with adequate safety instructions and to follow them when charging the product, never leave the product unattended when charging, never leave the product on charge overnight and always ensure the adapter is suitable for the electrical characteristics of the product.

If consumers have any concerns relating to the safety of electronic cigarettes they should contact their local Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on telephone number 08454 040506 (English language) or 08454 040505 (Welsh language)