Disposable vapes may be more toxic than cigarettes, study finds (archive.ph)

submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I've been saying for years they're gonna find some new and strange way vapes are worse for you than cigarettes

Some popular disposable e-cigarettes emit toxic metals at levels that surpass those found in traditional cigarettes and earlier generations of vapes, according to a new study by researchers at UC Davis.

The study, published Wednesday in ACS Central Science, found that a single day’s use of one disposable device released more lead than nearly 20 packs of conventional cigarettes.

Researchers also identified hazardous concentrations of nickel and antimony — metals linked to cancer, nerve damage and respiratory illness — in the aerosol emitted by seven devices from three widely used disposable vape brands.

“Our study highlights the hidden risk of these new and popular disposable electronic cigarettes — with hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel and antimony — which stresses the need for urgency in enforcement,” Brett Poulin, assistant professor of environmental toxicology at UC Davis and the study’s senior author, said in a statement.

Using a lab device to simulate 500 to1,500 puffs per product, the UC Davis researchers found that metal concentrations increased with use. Leaded bronze components and degrading heating coils were identified as major sources of contamination.

“When I first saw the lead concentrations, they were so high I thought our instrument was broken,” lead author Mark Salazar said in a statement.

Four of the devices emitted nickel and lead at levels surpassing safety thresholds for neurological and respiratory damage. Two exceeded cancer risk limits due to antimony content.

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[-] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago

I’m a chemistry nerd not a biology nerd but I find it hard to believe the health concerns of heavy metals really outweigh that of the tar, benzene, and other directly harmful hydrocarbons found in cigarettes.

[-] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago

it's for sure a clickbait title and obviously there is a bunch of other toxic shit in cigs. but i still see people acting like vaping is free and think they need to be disabused of this notion

[-] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I agree the vapes aren’t harmless and that needs to be recognized. However I think this type of clickbait to be directly harmful if it convinces someone to use a product that’s actually worse.

But again I’m not super confident on which is worse but I feel the benzene and tar wins in this case.

this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2025

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