Disposable Vapes: More Toxic Metals Than Traditional Cigarettes?

New research reveals that disposable e-cigarettes may expose users to higher levels of toxic metals than older vapes or even traditional cigarettes. This surprising finding raises serious concerns, especially given the popularity of these devices among young people.

The Metal Menace in Your Vape

A recent study from the University of California, Davis, published in ACS Central Science, indicates a worrying trend. Disposable e-cigarettes, the newest nicotine delivery systems, seem to leach more toxic metals. These devices are now the most favored, particularly by adolescents.

These e-cigarettes consist of metal coils and other components that come into contact with e-liquid, which contains nicotine salts, flavorings, and organic acids. When heated, the e-liquid causes metal to dissolve, releasing toxic substances into the aerosol inhaled during a puff. This is a closed system, which means these metals accumulate, and smokers are exposed to higher concentrations.

“We’ve known for a long time that when you heat a coil [in an e-cigarette] and it goes through the heat cycle, it will leach metals over time,”

—Brett Poulin, PhD, Assistant Professor, UC Davis Department of Environmental Toxicology

The study also discovered that disposable e-cigarettes contain antimony, a toxic metalloid. The researchers tested several popular disposable products like Esco Bar, Flum Pebble, and ELF Bar, finding “excessive emissions of toxic metallic elements” in their aerosols. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized only four e-cigarette products.

Why the Higher Risk?

The researchers speculate that the use of cheap components may contribute to the issue. Because the devices are designed for single use, manufacturers may use lower-quality, cheaper materials. These components may include lead-based alloys.

To put the health risks in perspective, researchers compared disposable e-cigarettes to other forms of smoking. They found that Esco Bar devices released more lead in a day’s use than 19 packs of traditional cigarettes.

Based on data from the CDC, over 2.8 million U.S. middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2023 (CDC 2023). This data emphasizes the need for strict regulations and public awareness.

Health Concerns and Future Outlook

Dr. Poulin explains that nickel and antimony are respiratory carcinogens, potentially causing lung inflammation and cancer. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, is a major concern for adolescents because their neurological systems are still developing. The use of disposable e-cigarettes may also lead to lung fibrosis.

Mark Salazar, a PhD candidate in Poulin’s lab, notes that the long-term effects of disposable e-cigarettes are still unknown. However, the current data raises significant concerns. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts.