Metal and Silicate Particles Including Nanoparticles are Present in Electronic Cigarette Cartomizer Fluid and aerosol

Introduction:
This article, titled "Metal and Silicate Particles Including Nanoparticles are Present in Electronic Cigarette Cartomizer Fluid and aerosol," was published in the journal PLoS ONE in 2013. The study examines the presence of various metals and silicate particles in the aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes (ECs). The authors hypothesized that the aerosol would contain metals due to the various metal components used in ECs. This summary will highlight the key points of the study design, major findings, and main message.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed the structural and elemental contents, cytotoxicity, and aerosol emissions of cartomizers from a leading brand of ECs.
* Twenty-two fresh cartomizers were dissected and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), particle counting, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.
* The filament, a nickel-chromium wire, was coupled to a thicker copper wire coated with silver. The silver coating was sometimes missing, and the solder joints contained mainly tin.
* all cartomizers had evidence of use before packaging, such as burn spots on the fibers and electrophoretic movement of fluid in the fibers.
* The aerosol contained particles less than 1 mm, including tin, silver, iron, nickel, aluminum, and silicate, as well as nanoparticles (less than 100 nm) of tin, chromium, and nickel.
* The concentrations of nine of eleven elements in EC aerosol were higher than or equal to the corresponding concentrations in conventional cigarette smoke.
* Cartomizer fluid with tin particles was cytotoxic in assays using human pulmonary fibroblasts.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that the aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes contains various metals and silicate particles, which can have adverse health effects. The presence of these particles, especially in nanoparticle form, raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with EC use. The study highlights the need for improved quality control in EC design and manufacture and further research on the health impacts of EC aerosol on users and bystanders.

Williams, Monique, amanda Villarreal, Krassimir Bozhilov, Sabrina Lin, and Prue Talbot. “Metal and Silicate Particles Including Nanoparticles are Present in Electronic Cigarette Cartomizer Fluid and aerosol.” Edited by Stephen J. Johnson. PLoS ONE 8, no. 3 (March 20, 2013): e57987. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057987.