Summary
Introduction:
This article summarizes a research study on the levels of toxic and potentially carcinogenic metals found in the liquids of five popular brands of cig-a-like electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The study aims to characterize and quantify the metal concentrations in the e-cigarette liquids and discuss the potential health implications for users.
Key Points:
* The study analyzed the cartomizer liquid in 10 cartomizer refills for each of the five brands using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
* all of the tested metals (cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel) were found in the e-liquids analyzed.
* across all analyzed brands, mean (SD) concentrations ranged from 4.89 (0.893) to 1970 (1540) µg/L for lead, 53.9 (6.95) to 2110 (5220) µg/L for chromium, and 58.7 (22.4) to 22,600 (24,400) µg/L for nickel.
* Manganese concentrations ranged from 28.7 (9.79) to 6910.2 (12,200) µg/L.
* The study found marked variability in nickel and chromium concentration within and between brands, which may come from heating elements.
* additional research is needed to evaluate whether e-cigarettes represent a relevant exposure pathway for toxic metals in users.
Main Message:
The study found that all of the tested metals were present in the e-cigarette liquids analyzed, with marked variability in nickel and chromium concentrations within and between brands. The concentrations of these metals may come from heating elements in the devices. While more research is needed, the study suggests that e-cigarettes may represent a relevant exposure pathway for toxic metals in users, which could have potential health implications. as an expert in regulatory matters, it is important to consider these findings when developing regulations for e-cigarettes to ensure the protection of public health.
Citation
hess, Catherine ann, Pablo Olmedo, ana Navas-acien, Walter Goessler, Joanna E. Cohen, and ana Maria Rule. “E-Cigarettes as a Source of Toxic and Potentially Carcinogenic Metals.” Environmental Research 152 (January 2017): 221–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2016.09.026.
