Recent studies (several since 2015) proclaim high levels of heavy metals present in the vapor produced in some (if not most) e-cig atomizers / tanks.
Discusses metals present in vapor:
Discusses metals present in ‘tanks’:
I am a huge vaping fan, and just want to share ‘information’ and discuss minimizing/eliminating health hazards we may be exposing ourselves and others too. There is quite a bit of information absent in these articles as well, but enough to start a discussion I believe.
The first article suggests the newer the coil the more heavy metals are present in the vapor. It also implies the heating of coils increases the amount of heavy metals present in the vapor we inhale. The second article (which was the first study from this group) claims heavy metals present in e liquid extracted from ‘tanks’ that have not been ‘fire’ (coils heated).
All metals corrode unless enclosed in a vacuum. When metal is heated it increases it’s susceptibility to corrosion. These are just properties of metals. Also glycols when heated form acids and acids deteriorate metal.
Based on these 3 articles here are some of my current thoughts:
-Stainless steel or titanium coils may provide the least amount of heavy metals since they are most resistant to corrosion.
-Using flavorings with no acid will help prevent coils from corroding.
-Vaping at lower watts / low temps may help prevent heavy metals from entering the vapor.
-The less metal used in a coil build may help minimize the levels of heavy metals in vapor.
-Using ‘burned in’ or old coils may reduce the amounts of heavy metals in vapor. (-due to carbonation of the metal, forming a protective layer between the metal and e liquid.)
-Using a ceramic coil where the metal heating element is not exposed to the e liquid may help eliminate the emission of heavy metals into the vapor. I don’t know if this exists. The ceramic coils I know of are more ceramic wicks where the metal heating them is still exposed to the e liquid trapped in the pours of the ceramic.
So what are everyone’s thoughts on this topic?
Here is the link to the original study:
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/ehp2175/#tab1