Kansas, U.S.: Attorney General issues alert on China-made “smart vapes” targeting children

Key Takeaways

• Location: Kansas, United States

• Issuer: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach released a consumer alert

• Product description: “smart vapes” combine entertainment/connectivity features with vaping of unregulated materials

• Market/regulatory note: FDA approvals are limited; the alert says over 90% of disposable vapes come from China and are largely unregulated

• Risks and actions: health and privacy risks are listed alongside guidance for parents and schools

2Firsts, January 12, 2026 – According to a consumer alert issued by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach warned Kansans about dangerous China-made vaping products targeting children. Known as “smart vapes,” the alert says the products allow kids to use games, social media, Bluetooth, music and more while simultaneously inhaling unregulated materials.

The alert describes the devices as deliberately designed to hook teens and conceal the true nature of the device from parents. It says some products gamify nicotine consumption by offering rewards or prizes tied to the highest number of puffs, and notes that puff counts have increased year after year, contributing to enhanced nicotine addiction.

Kobach said protecting Kansas kids from harmful products is among his priorities and stated that the devices are designed to entice and addict children.

On regulation and sourcing, the alert says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved only a small number of vaping products, representing a minute share of products sold, and states that over 90% of disposable vaping devices on the market come from China and are largely unregulated.

Under health concerns, the alert says many unapproved vapes, including “smart vapes,” pose serious risks and may contain harmful materials beyond nicotine such as lead and nickel. It also says vitamin E acetate is common in illicit THC and CBD vapes and is known to cause lung illness, and notes these materials are generally not found in regulated vaping products.

Under privacy concerns, the alert says Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity introduces security threats, with little to no privacy protection, susceptibility to cyber threats, and the collection and storage of personal information. It warns unauthorized access can lead to data breaches and malware infections that may spread to other devices through actions such as a USB connection.

The alert advises parents to familiarize themselves with “smart vapes” and discuss nicotine addiction and the dangers of unregulated products with their children. It also advises educators and community members to watch for such devices in schools, noting some are designed to resemble basic school supplies such as pens and highlighters, and to identify vaping hotspots and implement preventative measures.

Image Source: Kansas Attorney General’s Office