Dozens of vape shops have been closed down across Lincolnshire for selling illegal e-cigarettes over the last year.
Some 68 stores have been shut after being found to have sold illicit products as part of a crackdown by Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police.
Using illegal vapes – which contain more than 2ml of nicotine – can increase the risk of suffering a lung condition known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury).
This effects people’s lungs, causing shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.
Gillian Eva Golden, the CEO for the Independent British Vape Trade Association, said: “The most common safety concerns with illegal vapes are high levels of harmful substances in the vapour.
“This is in stark contrast to vapes bought from responsible retailers, like our members, who follow all the rules and safety guidelines.”
Lincolnshire police said that the sale of illicit vapes is not just a public health concern but is also affecting legal businesses in Lincolnshire.
A spokesperson said: “These illegal activities harm legitimate businesses and fund further crimes, often monopolising high street spaces, driving out lawful small businesses.”
