Disposable electronic cigarettes and vapes have become increasingly popular due to their bright colors, affordability, and convenience. These devices work by converting flavored nicotine liquid into vapor, a process known as vaping. However, recent research published in ACS Central Science has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with disposable e-cigarettes.
According to the study led by Brett Poulin from the University of California, Davis, disposable vaping devices release higher levels of metals and metalloids after a few hundred puffs compared to older refillable e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. These metals, including neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel and antimony, can pose serious health risks to users, such as an increased risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and nerve damage.
Previous studies on refillable e-cigarettes have shown that the heating components of these devices can release metals like chromium and nickel ions into the liquid, which are then inhaled as vapor. The researchers found that disposable e-cigarettes, which have overtaken sales of refillable vapes in recent years, also emit high levels of metals and metalloids into the vapor.
The study analyzed seven popular disposable e-cigarette brands, comparing liquids with varying levels of flavoring. It was found that the metal and metalloid levels in the unused liquids were relatively low, but increased significantly after the devices were activated and used for between 500 and 1,500 puffs. Some devices released more lead in a day than nearly 20 packs of traditional cigarettes.
The researchers also assessed the health risks associated with daily use of these disposable e-cigarettes. They found that the vapors contained both non-toxic and carcinogenic forms of substances like chromium and antimony, with some exceeding cancer risk limits. The results are particularly concerning given the widespread use of disposable e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults.
The study only tested three out of the many disposable e-cigarette brands available on the market, highlighting the need for further research and regulation in this area. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with disposable vaping devices and the urgent need for enforcement to protect public health.
For more information on the study, you can refer to the original publication in ACS Central Science. The findings serve as a reminder of the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to using electronic cigarettes and the potential risks they may pose to users’ health.
