Vaping is often perceived as a healthier option than tobacco. However, a recent study by researchers from the University of California in Davis shaken this received idea. According to their analyzes, some disposable electronic cigarettes, particularly popular with young people, contain dangerously high concentrations of heavy metals, sometimes higher than those found in traditional cigarettes.
An analysis of popular brands
« When I saw the lead concentrations for the first time, they were so high that I thought our instrument was defective “Said Mark Salazar, one of the authors of the study. Published in the journal ACS Central Sciencethis study highlights the problem of disposable electronic cigarettes, often unregulated or illegal, which are however widely used in adolescents.
The study focused on three very widespread electronic cigarette brands: Elf Bar, Esco Bar and Flum Pebble. Scientists have activated these devices to generate between 500 and 1,500 puffs, before analyzing the chemical composition of the steam clouds produced. Then they dismantled the devices to identify the origin of the contaminants. The results were at least disturbing.
Direct exposure to carcinogenic substances
The analyzes revealed the presence of nickel, chrome and antimony, three metals known for their toxicity. The type of nickel detected is recognized for its carcinogenic effects on the lungs and the nasal cavity. Chrome, also classified as carcinogen, poses the same risks. As for antimony, it can cause heart and pulmonary disorders in the event of inhalation, and cause vomiting if it is ingested.
Lead, meanwhile, has proven to be particularly problematic. The tests revealed that two models of the ESCO Bar brand contained lead levels so high that a single electronic cigarette emitted more lead in 200 puffs than a smoker of twenty packets of cigarettes could inhale.
According to the researchers, these toxic substances come both from the internal components of the devices (such as the heating elements or the welds) and the nicotine liquids themselves. “” The toxins are already present in the e-liquids or migrate from the materials of the devices before being transferred to the steam “Explains Salazar.
Major health risks
According to the study, two of the tested models had sufficient nickel and antimony levels to exceed the thresholds considered dangerous in terms of carcinogen risk. In addition, four aircraft released quantities of nickel and lead deemed capable of causing serious neurological and respiratory damage.
This situation is all the more worrying since the three analyzed brands are among the best known and easily accessible on the market. However, hundreds of other models, often imported without strict regulation, are in circulation without any in -depth study having been conducted about them. Already in 2023, another study had highlighted high levels of lead and even uranium in the urine of adolescents regular vapors.
Faced with this alarming data, researchers call for a rapid reaction from the health authorities. “” Our study reveals the hidden danger of these popular disposable electronic cigarettes, which contain toxic levels of lead and nickel, both neurotoxic or carcinogenic “, Underlines Professor Brett Poulin, toxicologist and principal author of the study. According to him, strict regulation of these products, including their composition and marketing, is now urgently necessary.
As a reminder, nearly 2,000 “hidden” chemicals were discovered in e-cigarette liquids.
