Effects of Model, Method of Collection, and Topography on Chemical Elements and Metals in the aerosol of Tank-Style Electronic Cigarettes.

Introduction:
This text reports a scientific study on the effects of model, method of collection, and topography on chemical elements and metals in the aerosol of tank-style electronic cigarettes (EC). The study aims to determine how the method of collection affects elements/metals in EC aerosols, identify and quantify the elements that transfer to the aerosols produced by tank-style ECs, and evaluate the effect of puffing topography and battery power on elements/metals in EC aerosols. The study used six tank-style ECs and various puffing topographies, collecting aerosols using a cold trap or impinger method. Nineteen elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

Key points:

* The study found that 16 elements/metals were present and quantified in the aerosols, with concentrations ranging from 43 to 3,138 µg/L with the impinger method of collection and 226 to 6,767 µg/L with the cold trap method.
* The concentrations of individual elements were often similar across brands and across topographies. Some elements (e.g., zinc) were present in most aerosols, while others (e.g., cadmium, titanium, vanadium) were rarely found.
* Concentrations of some elements (e.g., lead) increased in aerosols as voltage/power increased.
* The model with fewest metal parts in the atomizer had the fewest metals in its aerosols.
* Most elements/metals in the aerosols have been found previously in the atomizers of EC.
* all tank-style aerosols had elements/metals that appeared to originate in the atomizers, and concentrations increased with increasing power.
* Concentrations of some elements were high enough to be a health concern.

Main message:
The study highlights the importance of considering the effect of EC model, method of collection, and puffing topography on the concentration of chemical elements and metals in EC aerosols. The findings suggest that some elements/metals in EC aerosols may originate from the atomizers, and their concentrations may increase with increasing power. The study emphasizes the need for further research to evaluate the potential health risks associated with exposure to these elements/metals in EC aerosols. The results of this study could inform regulatory decisions related to the safety and quality of EC products.

Williams M, Li J, Talbot P. Effects of Model, Method of Collection, and Topography on Chemical Elements and Metals in the aerosol of Tank-Style Electronic Cigarettes. Scientific reports. 2019;9(1):13969. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-50441-4