Experts warn against using 'vitamin diffuser' sold as healthy alternative to vapes

Chemical content in device that supposedly boosts energy levels is unknown and potentially dangerous

- Andrew Wong

Online peddlers of e-vaporizers are now pushing "vitamin diffusers" as a healthy alternative to e-vaporizers, but experts warn that the actual chemical content is unknown and potentially dangerous.

Promoted by social media influencers, the new trend has emerged in Britain, Australia and the United States, where researchers have warned that the marketing behind so-called "wellness vapes" is part of a new phase in misleading e-cigarette advertising.

Singapore's ban on e-vaporizers covers e-cigarettes and any electronic device that vaporizes a liquid solution to be inhaled.

Checks by The Straits Times showed that several websites are now peddling "vitamin diffusers and sticks", and at least one person has been caught in Singapore with a vitamin diffuser.

Sellers claim their devices help boost energy levels with an infusion of caffeine, vitamin B12 and essential oils. The devices can also be loaded with melatonin for insomniacs.

Dr Philip Eng, a senior consultant respiratory physician with his own practice, said that while vitamin diffusers may be a novel trend, history suggests that inhaling unknown substances can lead to illness.

Aside from tobacco smoking, which has been linked to lung cancer, he noted that vaping had contributed to a lung injury (or Evali) epidemic in the US in 2019.

Dr Eng said that there is no medical evidence to support the claims made by the sellers of "vitamin diffusers".