A big congrats to Mark Salazar for his first authored paper in ACS Central Science documenting the risk of metals and metalloids in disposable electronic cigarettes. The study evaluated three of the most popular brands of disposable e-cigarettes and discovered (1) the use of leaded bronze alloys in devices, releasing hazardous levels of lead, copper, and zinc and (2) an unknown source of antimony. Mark mapped elements in device components by laser ablation ICP-MS, quantified metals and metalloids concentrations in e-liquids and aerosols over the device lifecycle, and speciated chromium and antimony oxidation state in the aerosols. Using elemental concentration and speciation data, Mark evaluated the risk posed based on typical use, and documented that most of the devices tested exceeded cancer and non-cancer risk thresholds due to lead, nickel, and antimony. Based on our research, it’s clear that some of these illegally sold disposable e-cigarettes could pose serious health risks, potentially even greater than traditional cigarettes in certain cases. 

Citation: Salazar et al. 2025. ACS Central Science DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.5c00641.