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Disposable Vapes Emit Hazardous Levels of Toxic Metals, UC Davis Study Finds

High emissions of lead, nickel, antimony, chromium in aerosols exceed federal health risk thresholds

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Overview

  • Researchers tested seven devices from three leading disposable vape brands and found one released more lead in a day’s use than nearly 20 packs of cigarettes
  • Three devices emitted nickel above cancer risk thresholds and two released antimony at potentially carcinogenic levels while four exceeded non-cancer risk limits for nickel and lead
  • Metal concentrations in aerosols rose with puff count, indicating that exposure intensifies as devices age
  • Despite FDA warning letters and import bans, disposable vapes remain the top choice for 55.6% of U.S. youth e-cigarette users
  • Authors warn that sampling just three brands highlights the need for broader research and stricter oversight to protect teens from toxic metal exposure