E-cigarettes are a potential source of exposure to metals/metalloids.
“Metal/metalloid levels, including aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, tin, and zinc, were present in e-cigarette samples in the studies reviewed. Twelve studies [of 24] reported metal/metalloid levels in e-liquids (bottles, cartridges, open wick, and tank), 12 studies reported metal/metalloid levels in e-cigarette aerosols (from cig-a-like and tank devices), and 4 studies reported metal/metalloid levels in human biosamples (urine, saliva, serum, and blood) of e-cigarette users… CONCLUSION: E-cigarettes are a potential source of exposure to metals/metalloids. Differences in collection methods and puffing regimes likely contribute to the variability in metal/metalloid levels across studies, making comparison across studies difficult.”
Zhao D, Aravindakshan A, Hilpert M, Olmedo P, Rule AM, Navas-Acien A, Aherrera A.Metal/Metalloid Levels in Electronic Cigarette Liquids, Aerosols, and Human Biosamples: A Systematic Review. Environ Health Perspect. 2020 Mar;128(3):36001. Epub 2020 Mar 18.
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP5686
Stephen Hamann, TRC
