Abstract
BackgroundMetals are present in electronic cigarette (EC) fluid and aerosol and may present health risks to users.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to measure the amounts of tin, copper, zinc, silver, nickel and chromium in the aerosol from four brands of EC and to identify the sources of these metals by examining the elemental composition of the atomizer components.MethodsFour brands of popular EC were dissected and the cartomizers were examined microscopically. Elemental composition of cartomizer components was determined using integrated energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and the concentrations of the tin, copper, zinc silver, nickel, and chromium in the aerosol were determined for each brand using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy.ResultsAll filaments were made of nickel and chromium. Thick wires were copper coated with either tin or silver. Wires were joined to each other by tin solder, brazing, or by brass clamps. High concentrations of tin were detected in the aerosol when tin solder joints were friable. Tin coating on copper wires also contributed to tin in the aerosol.ConclusionsTin concentrations in EC aerosols varied both within and between brands. Tin in aerosol was reduced by coating the thick wire with silver rather than tin, placing stable tin solder joints outside the atomizing chamber, joining wires with brass clamps or by brazing rather than soldering wires. These data demonstrate the feasibility of removing tin and other unwanted metals from EC aerosol by altering designs and using materials of suitable quality.
Highlights
Electronic cigarettes (EC), which are readily available on the Internet and in local convenient stores, have become a popular alternative to conventional cigarettes [1,2]
Tin in aerosol was reduced by coating the thick wire with silver rather than tin, placing stable tin solder joints outside the atomizing chamber, joining wires with brass clamps or by brazing rather than soldering wires
Metals in Electronic Cigarette Aerosols unwanted metals from EC aerosol by altering designs and using materials of suitable quality
Summary
Electronic cigarettes (EC), which are readily available on the Internet and in local convenient stores, have become a popular alternative to conventional cigarettes [1,2]. EC deliver aerosol to the user by heating a fluid containing nicotine, humectants, and flavorings [3,4]. The number of EC products is rapidly increasing with 460 brands of EC and over 7,000 unique flavors of refill fluid advertised on the Internet in January 2014 [5]. Various adverse health effects have been reported in online forums [8] and to the FDA [9]. EC are new products and relatively little is known about their beneficial or adverse health effects, and nothing is yet known about their long-term effects on health [12]. Metals are present in electronic cigarette (EC) fluid and aerosol and may present health risks to users. Editor: Wei-Chun Chin, University of California, Merced, UNITED STATES
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
