Scientists found fecal contamination in vape products, but context is crucial

CLAIM: A study published in October 2025 found that vaping products contained bacteria that indicated fecal contamination.

RATING: TRUE. The study looked into a specific sample of vaping products in Virginia schools during the 2024-25 school year. It found some of the devices contained traces of coliform - a bacteria that indicates fecal matter contamination. However, these were devices "that had been confiscated or found on school premises," not new, unopened vapes. This indicated that contamination was due to the product's handling and storage. The researchers behind the study confirmed via email that no contamination was found in the unopened products they tested.