Exposed! 10 Myths About Elf Bars

Any new technology brings its fair share of myths and scare stories, and disposable vapes are no exception! One of the most popular disposables is the Elf Bar, an iconic vape that has taken the world by storm. With a huge flavour range and an irresistible brightly coloured design, Elf Bars are ideal for beginner and seasoned vapers, as well as those looking to quit smoking. While Elf Bars continue to rise in popularity, so do the scare stories that come with them. In this blog, we’re going to look at the most common Elf Bar myths and straighten out what’s fact and what’s fiction.

Let’s get started.

Elf Bars Are Illegal

False: While the UK has strict laws and guidelines regarding the legal sale of disposable vapes, Elf Bars comply with all of them. Genuine Elf Bars contain 2ml of e-liquid with a maximum strength of 20mg (2%) nicotine. Legal Elf Bars will also come in legitimate packaging with a verification code printed on the box. This code can then be checked on the Elf Bar website to authenticate the device further.

While these genuine Elf Bars ARE legal, it is important to discuss the illegal versions that are unfortunately available to buy. Illegal Elf Bars will usually look and feel like the real deal, so fishing out the counterfeits can be tricky. Look out for any devices that boast a higher nicotine strength than 20mg or an e-liquid capacity of over 2 ml. These unregulated vapes are incredibly dangerous and will not have been through any of the stringent quality testing that is required for vapes to be legally sold in the UK.

Elf Bars Are Worse Than Smoking

False: We already know that vaping has been declared significantly safer than smoking by Public Health England. These disposable devices are free from tobacco and any of the other chemical nasties that come with cigarettes. This means no tar and no traces of the carcinogens that cause diseases such as lung cancer. Switching to Elf Bars from smoking is proven to be a better alternative.

Elf Bars Will Kill You!

False: While it wouldn’t surprise us to see a disposable vape be used as a weapon in a modern slasher film, the device itself is not designed to kill. Vaping is 95% safer than smoking as it removes all of the harmful chemicals and tar that are contained in cigarettes. While Elf Bars do contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance, it is delivered in a more controlled manner.

Elf Bars Are Addictive

True: Elf Bars contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Vaping is only recommended to those who are already addicted to nicotine and want to quit smoking or lower their consumption in a controlled way. Elf Bars are the same as any other nicotine replacement therapy option; they offer a safer alternative without any of the harmful effects of cigarettes. Most vapers start their journey with a 20mg strength vape (the max strength) and slowly reduce their consumption over time, moving to 10mg vapes and finally to 0% nicotine options.

Elf Bars Are Dangerous

False: As long as the Elf Bar purchased is legal to buy in the UK, it is just as safe as any other regulated e-cigarette or vaping product. While it is impossible to declare vaping 100% safe, a study by Public Health England states that it is 95% safer than smoking cigarettes. It is important to note that disposable vapes should only be used by those looking to quit smoking. Vaping as a non-smoker can lead to nicotine addiction, which is dangerous.

Elf Bars Can Be Charged Up

False: If we’re talking about the standard Elf Bar 600 disposable vape or the Elf Bar 600 V2, these are single-use devices that should not be charged or taken apart to reach the battery. Each device contains 2ml of e-liquid, which should last the duration of the vape battery. Once it is empty, the device can be disposed of responsibly. Newer Elf Bar devices, such as the Elf Bar AF5000 kit, can be recharged. Always read the instructions and familiarise yourself with your device before vaping.

Elf Bars Are Waterproof

False: Perhaps one of the craziest Elf Bar myths we’ve heard is that the devices are 100% waterproof; this is not true. An Elf Bar contains a battery; therefore, exposure to water can be dangerous. You should not vape when submerged in any type of water, such as the shower, the pool or the sea. If the vape short-circuits, it could potentially start a fire. Always keep your Elf Bar cool and dry and away from extreme heat or direct sunlight.

Elf Bars Make My Gums Bleed

False: We know there has been increased chatter about Elf Bars and disposable vapes in general, causing bleeding gums. The reality is that it is not the Elf Bar that is causing this; instead, it is a common symptom of those quitting smoking. Leading dentistry consultants have weighed in on this issue and agreed that it is not the nicotine itself that causes bleeding gums; it is a withdrawal symptom of those cutting down on cigarettes.

Elf Bars Can’t Be Recycled

False: It’s fair to say that properly recycling an Elf Bar can be tricky, but there are ways to ensure you are disposing of your vape responsibly. The simple design of the Elf Bar means that it cannot be taken apart to separate each component. One of the components is a battery, so it really shouldn’t be placed in regular waste or household recycling bins. Luckily, more and more recycling points are popping up specifically designed to take disposable vapes. Head to Recycle Your Electricals to find out more and to locate your nearest recycling point.

It is important to note that the industry, as a whole, is trying to tackle the eco-friendly nature of disposable vapes. New vaping brands are making it easier to recycle their devices, while pre-filled pod kits offer a more sustainable way to vape.

Elf Bars Are Terrible For The Environment

Unfortunately, this is true. With the rise in popularity of Elf Bars comes the amount of waste that these devices produce. It’s common to see brightly coloured vapes littered on streets, coastlines, and woodland pathways, with irresponsible vapers throwing away their vapes once empty. Compared to other vaping kits, disposable vapes such as Elf Bars are the worst culprits when it comes to environmental damage. On a positive note, this is something that Elf Bar themselves are committed to solving, alongside recycling programs in the UK designed to properly recycle disposable devices.

If you are looking for a vaping option that is a little more eco-friendly, we recommend switching to a refillable vaping kit or a prefilled pod kit. Rechargeable batteries reduce the need to dispose of the device once it is empty, and they’re also more cost-effective than disposables.

We hope we’ve answered your questions about Elf Bars or at least dispelled some of the wild myths surrounding these popular devices. To learn more about Elf Bars, check out our detailed FAQ page or get in touch with a member of the team.