Summary
Introduction:
This article reports on a study that aimed to measure the amounts of certain metals in the aerosol produced by four popular brands of electronic cigarettes (EC) and to identify the sources of these metals by examining the elemental composition of the atomizer components. The study also sought to determine which design features minimize the introduction of metals into EC aerosol.
Key Points:
* The study found that all filaments were made of nickel and chromium, while thick wires were copper coated with either tin or silver. Wires were joined to each other by tin solder, brazing, or by brass clamps.
* high concentrations of tin were detected in the aerosol when tin solder joints were friable. Tin coating on copper wires also contributed to tin in the aerosol.
* Tin concentrations in EC aerosols varied both within and between brands.
* Tin in aerosol was reduced by coating the thick wire with silver rather than tin, placing stable tin solder joints outside the atomizing chamber, joining wires with brass clamps or by brazing rather than soldering wires.
Main Message:
The study demonstrates the feasibility of removing unwanted metals from EC aerosol by altering designs and using materials of suitable quality. This is important as long-term inhalation of metals can produce adverse health effects, which is of concern to EC users. The study also highlights the need for quality control in the manufacturing and labeling of EC to ensure consistent product performance and safety.
Citation
Williams, Monique, an To, Krassimir Bozhilov, and Prue Talbot. “Strategies to Reduce Tin and Other Metals in Electronic Cigarette aerosol.” Edited by Wei-Chun Chin. PLOS ONE 10, no. 9 (September 25, 2015): e0138933. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138933.
