Occurrence of metals in e-cigarette liquids: Influence of coils on metal leaching and exposure assessment.

Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) on 17 samples of e-liquids with different chemical properties (e.g., ph, nicotine content, flavoring, free-base, and nicotine salts). Twelve e-liquids were then put in contact with 36-gauge Kanthal a-1, Nichrome 80, Stainless steel 317 L and disposable coils such as Juul, and aspire BVC for three days at 200–250 °C for 1 h each day. Metal levels expressed as mean (standard deviation) metal concentration, were below detection (Cd) to very low in bottle samples (Ni ≤ 76 (18); Pb ≤ 16 (1.5); and Cr ≤ 386 (15.6) μg/kg). In the coil extracts, varying concentrations of the same metal (loid) were found, indicating that metal leaching capacity may differ per sample. all samples contained Ni and Cr, followed by Pb to a much lesser extent. Overall, results suggest that nicotine salts at 40 mg/mL enhance Cr and Ni transfer. Stainless steel 317 L released very low metal concentrations.

alcantara C, Chaparro L, Zagury GJ. Occurrence of metals in e-cigarette liquids: Influence of coils on metal leaching and exposure assessment. heliyon. 2023;9(3):1. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14495