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.