Disposable Vapes Release Toxic Metals at Alarming Rates

A study from UC Davis reveals that some disposable e-cigarettes and vape pods release significantly higher amounts of toxic metals, such as lead, nickel, and antimony, than traditional cigarettes and older e-cigarette models after a few hundred puffs. One disposable device released more lead in a day's use than almost 20 packs of traditional cigarettes. Researchers found that these toxins are either present in the e-liquid or leach from components into the e-liquid, ultimately transferring to the vapor. The high levels of these metals, exceeding health risk thresholds for cancer and other illnesses, highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement, especially given the popularity of these devices among teens and young adults who are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure. The findings underscore the potentially severe health consequences, exceeding those of traditional cigarettes in some cases.