Even short-term use of e-cigarettes leads to a measurable build-up of toxic metals in lung tissue, including lead, copper and nickel, according to a study by researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia.
Researchers say e-cigarettes expose lungs to metals PHOTO Archive
Lead researcher Dayanne Bordin, lecturer in analytical chemistry, said this preclinical study provides the first evidence that aerosols from e-cigarettes contain metallic (organometallic) species, including some associated with tin and mercury, forms that are often more readily absorbed by the body and more biologically reactive than inorganic metals.
“From a risk perspective, these results highlight under-recognized dangers associated with vaping”she said.
“Metal emissions and their biological effects are rarely included in current safety assessments or public perception. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which are relatively uniform products, electronic cigarettes and related devices are often manufactured with poor quality control, using materials and components whose toxicity is not fully known.
The observed metal profiles are consistent with emissions from heating elements and electrical components, pointing to the device itself as a major source of exposure and highlighting important gaps in how vaping risks are assessed.”he added.
Dr. Bordin explains that this is important because many people believe that vaping carries fewer risks than conventional smoking. This perception of reduced risk, along with misleading marketing campaigns, has contributed to the rapid growth of e-cigarette use globally, particularly among young people.
In Australia, for example, e-cigarette use among young adults increased from 5.3% in 2019 to over 21% in 2023, and a similar trend was seen among teenagers.
“Our results challenge the assumption that e-cigarettes are safer and show how important it is to review current vaping regulations, which should be expanded to include emissions from devices, not just the composition of the liquids used”she stated.
“Vaping can introduce toxic metals directly into the lungs, even after short-term use. This information is important for anyone considering vaping, especially young people, as exposure to these metals is largely invisible and rarely discussed”said Dr. Bordin.
According to the researchers, the results point to the need to update the risk assessment framework and public health guidelines to include exposure to metals and their accumulation in the body, but also to improve consumer information about these risks, which until now have been largely overlooked.
