Metal concentrations in e-cigarette aerosol samples: A comparison by device type and flavor

Angela Aherrera, Joyce Jy Lin, Rui Chen, Mina Tehrani, Andrew Schultze, Aryan Borole, Stefan Tanda, Walter Goessler, Ana M. Rule

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The rapid evolution of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products warrants surveillance of the differences in exposure across device types—modifiable devices (MODs), cartridge (“pod”)-containing devices (PODs), disposable PODs (d-PODs)—and flavors of the products available on the market. Objective: This study aimed to measure and compare metal aerosol concentrations by device type and common flavors. Methods: We collected aerosol from 104 MODs, 67 PODs (four brands: JUUL, Bo, Suorin, PHIX), and 23 d-PODs (three brands: ZPOD, Bidi, Stig) via droplet deposition in a series of conical pipette tips. Metals and metalloids [aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn)] were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), results were log-transformed for statistical analysis, and concentrations are reported in aerosol units (mg=m3). Results: Of the 12 elements analyzed, concentrations were statistically significantly higher in MOD devices, except for Co and Ni, which were higher in PODs and d-PODs. Of the POD brands analyzed, PHIX had the highest median concentrations among four metals (Al, Ni, Pb, and Sn) com­pared to the rest of the POD brands. According to POD flavor, seven metals were three to seven orders of magnitude higher in tobacco-flavored aerosol compared to those in mint and mango flavors. Among the d-POD brands, concentrations of four metals (Al, Cu, Ni, and Pb) were higher in the ZPOD brand than in Bidi Stick and Stig devices. According to d-POD flavor, only Cr concentrations were found to be statistically significantly higher in mint than tobacco-flavored d-PODs. DIscussIon: We observed wide variability in aerosol metal concentrations within and between the different e-cigarette device types, brands, and flavors. Overall, MOD devices generated aerosols with higher metal concentrations than PODs and d-PODs, and tobacco-flavored aerosols contained the highest metal concentrations. Continued research is needed to evaluate additional factors (i.e., nicotine type) that contribute to metal exposure from new and emerging e-cigarette devices in order to inform policy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalEnvironmental health perspectives
Volume131
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2023
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Metal concentrations in e-cigarette aerosol samples: A comparison by device type and flavor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this