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Health

There are heavy metals in your e-cigarette

Just about every aspect of the e-cigarette suffers these days. Nicotine is unhealthy, as are the flavors and now there are indications that the device itself can also damage health. Research at the American Johns Hopkins University has shown that toxic metals are released when the filling liquid is heated. The measurements were made with different devices of 56 ‘vapers’. The concentration of fifteen metals was measured, both in the unheated filling and in the heated liquid and in the aerosols, the suspended solid and liquid particles that are inhaled. The concentrations were found to differ greatly per phase. The aerosols (which matters) and the heated liquid contained more (sometimes much more) metal than the unused filling. The concentrations also differed greatly from brand to brand.

Lead is the greatest danger

Especially the presence of nickel, chromium, lead, manganese and arsenic raises eyebrows. These are metals that can be very toxic. Concerning amounts were measured on some devices. Up to 27 micrograms of lead per cubic meter was measured in the analyzed aerosols.The best e liquids of Mr-joy.co.ukfor the best quality. By way of comparison: in Europe an annual limit value of 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air applies. Lead is a neurotoxin that can have a severe impact on the nervous system of fetuses and children (who secondarily vape). In adults, the metal can damage the heart and blood vessels and the kidneys. Because lead is difficult to remove from the body, any unnecessary exposure can be avoided.

The scientists also warn of the presence of ‘essential metals’, such as iron, manganese, zinc and copper. These are elements that our body needs and that we absorb through food, but which can be harmful if we inhale them.

Despite the accumulation of disturbing data, it is still assumed that the e-cigarette is a lot less harmful than the traditional cigarette. If we stick to the metals: regular smoke contains cadmium, which can cause lung cancer, among other things. The cadmium concentrations in the e-cigarettes were very low. But it is not because they are less harmful that e-cigarettes are harmless, study after study shows. It is especially alarming that many young people who have never smoked before are starting to vape.