Electronic cigarette liquids can contain high levels
of toxic and potentially cancer-causing metals, a
new study suggests. We do not know if these levels
are dangerous, but their presence is troubling and
could mean that the metals end up in the aerosol
that e-cigarette user’s inhale, said the lead
researcher. Top researcher analyzed the liquid of
five brands of so-called first-generation
e-cigarettes, which resemble traditional cigarettes.
The researchers found liquids in those brands
contained the heavy metals cadmium, chromium, lead,
manganese and nickel. These metals are toxic when
inhaled, the researchers said. In first-generation
e-cigarettes, the cartridge of liquid is stored in
close contact with the heating coil. When heated,
the liquid creates the aerosol, or vapor, that users
inhale. The researchers believe this heating coil is
the main source of the dangerous metals. Perhaps
regulators might want to look into an alternative
material for e-cigarette heating coils, researcher
added. The researchers did not examine the possible
presence of the five metals in the aerosol.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
requires e-cigarette makers to submit ingredient
lists and information about potentially harmful
ingredients, including four of the five metals
detected in this study -- nickel, lead, chromium and
cadmium. The agency has studied but not yet issued
proposed rules on e-cigarette labeling.
This
suggests that the FDA should consider regulating the
quality control of e-cigarette devices along with
the ingredients found in e-cigarette liquids. |