New research from the University of California, Davis, suggests that vaping could be potentially more dangerous than smoking cigarettes due to the inhalation of toxic metals like lead, antimony, and nickel. The study, published in the journal ACS Central Science, highlights a "hidden risk" in popular electronic cigarettes, with disposable versions found to be worse than refillable ones in some cases.
Hazardous Metals Found in Vape Aerosol
The UC Davis research team found that some vape brands emitted surprisingly high concentrations of hazardous elements in their vapor. "Our study highlights the hidden risk of these new and popular disposable electronic cigarettes — with hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel and antimony," said lead author Brett Poulin.
Researchers noted that these toxins are either already present in the e-liquid or they leach extensively from the device's components, such as the heating coil, into the e-liquid before being aerosolized and inhaled. The study also found that levels of antimony, chromium, and nickel increased after some time and use of the vape.
This research presents a contrasting view to previous studies, such as a major 2022 review by King's College London, which concluded that vaping does not carry the same cancer or lung disease risk as smoking cigarettes. The UC Davis team warns that inhaling these metals can increase a person’s risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and nerve damage, and notes that vapers are often teenagers or young adults who are "highly susceptible to lead exposure."
