Deconstructing contemporary disposable vapes: A material and elemental analysis

Abstract

Disposable e-cigarettes (vapes) are becoming increasingly popular but there are concerns about their impacts on human health, the environment and resource sustainability. A better understanding of these impacts and potential solutions requires characterisation and quantification of the materials and chemicals used in their construction. In the present study we dismantle nine types of popular, single-use vapes and analyse the components by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The median dry mass of vapes was about 50 g, and the main material contribution was either plastic (up to about 80 %) or metal (up to about 85 %, and including the battery). Polycarbonate was the principal plastic used in the casing and nylon was always employed in the wick, but a range of other polymers were identified in other components used in wire insulation, sleeving, packaging, bundling and sealing. Various elements, as additives, residues or contaminants, were encountered in these parts that included As, Ba, Bi, Cr, Hg, Pb and Sb. Metal components were constructed of Al (often with Ti), stainless steel or Ni-based alloys (mainly in the coils), but other metals were often incorporated in alloys (e.g., Bi, Pb, W) or were present in trace quantities (including Co and Nb). Common metals in the Al-plastic-laminated Li-ion batteries were Cu, Co, Fe and Ni, but Au, Ba, Hg and Pb were also detected, while additional metals in the Cu-based printed circuit boards included Ag, Al, Ni, Sn, Ti and V, with traces of Ag, Bi, Mn, Nb and Pb present. The presence of toxic or potentially toxic metals in the vapes poses an environmental hazard through leaching after littering or landfilling, while metals within or in contact with the wick raise concerns about transfer to the e-liquid and exposure to the user. The overall material and chemical complexity of vapes presents challenges for safe disposal and component recycling, but the presence of critical elements, like Bi, Co, Nb, Sb, Sn, V and W, has additional implications for resource efficiency.