heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni) in aerosols emitted from electronic cigarettes sold in Malaysia.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study examining the presence and levels of heavy metals in aerosols emitted from electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) sold in Malaysia. The study aimed to evaluate potential health risks by comparing the findings to the permissible daily exposure (PDE) of heavy metals from inhalational medications defined by the United States Pharmacopeia Chapter 232.

Key Points:

* The study detected heavy metals of interest (hMOI), including Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni, in aerosols emitted from the selected ECIGs in Sarawak.
* among the four hMOIs, Cr was present at the highest median levels (6.86 ng/m3), followed by Ni (0.30 ng/m3), Pb (0.19 ng/m3), and Cd (0.01 ng/m3).
* Five out of 100 combinations (5%) of ECIGs and ECIG liquids were found to emit Cr that exceeded the recommended PDE.
* The study used similar assessment methods as Farsalinos and colleagues to translate laboratory findings into potential health risks.
* The ability to make generalizations based on past research is limited due to variations in heavy metal content among ECIG products.
* The study aimed to investigate the type and level of heavy metals in aerosols emitted from ECIGs from a wider variety of products.
* The authors recommend future studies examining more heavy metal variants, using a larger sample size, and different analytical techniques to compare various ECIGs.

Main Message:
The study found that some ECIGs sold in Malaysia emit heavy metals, including Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni, in aerosols at levels that exceed the recommended PDE. This highlights the potential health risks associated with ECIG use and the need for further research and regulation to ensure public safety. The authors emphasize the importance of investigating heavy metal content in ECIG aerosols from a wider variety of products to better understand and mitigate these risks.

Ting CY, ahmad Sabri Na, Tiong LL, et al. heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni) in aerosols emitted from electronic cigarettes sold in Malaysia. Journal of environmental science and health Part a, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering. 2020;55(1):55-62. doi:10.1080/10934529.2019.1665950