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3mo ago

Disposable Vapes Release Hazardous Levels of Toxic Metals

Scientists urge stricter FDA oversight to prevent youth inhalation of neurotoxic lead from popular disposable vapes.

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UC Davis researchers Mark Salazar (left) and Brett Poulin in a lab with disposable vape pods. Their study found some disposable vapes emit more toxic metals — including lead and nickel — than traditional cigarettes.
UC Davis researcher Mark Salazar in a lab with disposable vape pods. Their study found some disposable vapes emit more toxic metals — including lead and nickel — than traditional cigarettes.

Overview

  • A University of California, Davis study published in ACS Central Science found that seven popular disposable e-cigarette models emitted higher levels of lead, nickel, and antimony than traditional cigarettes and older refillable vapes.
  • One disposable device released more lead over a day’s use than nearly 20 packs of conventional cigarettes, with metal concentrations rising as the number of puffs increased.
  • Investigators traced the source of toxic metals to leaded copper alloys in non-heating components and to degrading heating coils that leach into the e-liquid.
  • Vapors from multiple tested devices exceeded cancer risk limits for nickel and antimony and surpassed health thresholds for non-cancer diseases such as respiratory and neurological disorders.
  • Researchers highlight that most disposable vapes lack FDA authorization and call for stronger regulation, public education campaigns, and greater manufacturer accountability to protect adolescents and young adults.