The Dangers of E-Cigarettes: Toxic Metals Exposed

While previous studies have shown that e-cigarettes are likely healthier than traditional cigarettes, the jury is still out on the long-term effects of this relatively new device.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California has found that while second-hand exposure to e-cigarettes is less harmful than traditional ones, there are some harmful metals that can be found at significantly higher levels in this product. 

"Our results demonstrate that overall electronic cigarettes seem to be less harmful than regular cigarettes, but their elevated content of toxic metals such as nickel and chromium do raise concerns," said Constantinos Sioutas, professor at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and corresponding author of the study, in a news release.

As tobacco smoke contains higher amounts of polycyclinc aromatic hydrocarbons--cancer-causing organic compounds--the level of exposure from these substances was reduced to about zero in second-hand e-cigarette smoke. However, toxic metal emissions can also be found in e-cigarettes. Researchers also found several toxic metals, including lead and zinc, in second-hand e-cigarette smoke.

To further examine the compounds in these devices, researchers examined the exposure to certain metals found in second-hand cigarette smoke.

"The metal particles likely come from the cartridge of the e-cigarette devices themselves - which opens up the possibility that better manufacturing standards for the devices could reduce the quantity of metals in the smoke," added Arian Saffari, a PhD student at USC Viterbi and lead author of the paper. "Studies of this kind are necessary for implementing effective regulatory measures. E-cigarettes are so new, there just isn't much research available on them yet."

Volunteer subjects helped the researchers regulate cigarette and e-cigarette use as the researchers collected particles via indoor air and chemical content. The researchers specifically examined second-hand smoke from Elips Serie C e-cigarettes.

They noted that study results may vary based on the brand of e-cigarettes involved.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Environmental Science, Processes and Impacts.