The Hidden Dangers of Vapes: VCU Study Reveals Chemicals, Risks and Teen Use

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University's forensic toxicology lab has uncovered the hidden dangers of vapes and cannabis products used by over a million school-age children each year. The study focused on nearly 1,300 vaping products collected from K-12 schools in Virginia, revealing mislabeling, contaminants, and risks associated with these products. The research aims to help consumers, particularly youth, make informed decisions about vape use.

Key Takeaways:

  • 83% of vaping products contained nicotine, while 14% contained cannabinoids.
  • 73% of cannabinoid vapes tested contained a mixture of cannabinoids, including plant-based and synthetic cannabinoids, with concentrations ranging from 28% to 90%.
  • Vapes often advertised as containing 5% nicotine were found to contain anywhere from 1% to 4%.
  • Ethanol, or alcohol, was identified in 4% of vapes that contained nicotine.
  • Microbiologicals, such as bacteria, yeast, and coliform, were found in the devices and in the aerosol of some products, raising concerns about potential side effects on user health.
  • Less than 0.1% of products tested were authorized for sale by the Food and Drug Administration, indicating they were primarily purchased from the unregulated market.
  • The most common brand of vape submitted was Geek Bar, followed by Raz and Lost Mary.
  • Students most commonly acquired vapes through a friend or peer, by purchasing them themselves, or by stealing them.

Statistics:

  • 15.3% of secondary school students in the U.S. used nicotine vaping products within the last year, while 11.5% used cannabinoid vaping products (Monitoring the Future, 2025).
  • Of the 1,287 submissions received by the lab during the 2024-25 school year, the most common brand was Geek Bar (508), followed by Raz (123) and Lost Mary (100).
  • 110 students self-reported acquiring vapes through a friend or peer, 60 by purchasing them themselves, and 18 by stealing them.
  • 83% of vapes contained nicotine, highlighting the addictive nature of these products.

Sources:

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) News, "The hidden dangers of vapes: VCU study reveals chemicals, risks and teen use", October 30, [no external links provided]
  • Monitoring the Future, 2025 report on secondary school student use of nicotine and cannabinoid vaping products.
  • Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research at Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
  • National Institute of Justice