Although vaping is generally considered less harmful than conventional tobacco, recent research has shown that vaping can be as harmful as smoking traditional cigarettes. Lung health experts have been forceful in advising against both the consumption of regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, calling them both harmful. However, among adolescents, vaping has surpassed cigarette smoking, a new WHO/Europe report led by the University of Glasgow reveals.
In this context, a new study published in the journal Tobacco Control has found that the regular use of electronic cigarettes by young people can increase their exposure to heavy metals such as lead and uranium, potentially affecting neurological development and other vital organs.
The authors of the study have emphasized the importance of establishing regulations and promoting prevention initiatives aimed at adolescents. They have discovered specific metals in the aerosols and liquids of e-cigarettes, the absorption of which can be particularly harmful during the development stages. According to their findings, high exposure to these metals is associated with cognitive damage, behavioral disorders, respiratory problems, cancer and cardiovascular diseases in children.
40% higher lead levels in intermittent vapers
The research was based on data from the fifth edition of the national PATH youth study, carried out between December 2018 and November 2019, with the participation of 1,607 adolescents between 13 and 17 years old. After some exclusions, 200 e-cigarette users were included in the final analysis.
Urine samples were taken from these young people to detect cadmium, lead and uranium, classifying the frequency of use into three categories: occasional (1 to 5 days a month), intermittent (6 to 19 days) and frequent (more than 20 days). . E-cigarette flavors were categorized into four exclusive groups: menthol or mint; fruit; sweets, such as chocolates or desserts; and others, including tobacco, cloves, spices, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
Among the 200 exclusive vapers (63% were female), 65 reported occasional use, 45 intermittent use, and 81 frequent use; Information on vaping frequency was missing in nine cases. The average number of puffs per day increased with vaping frequency.
In the analysis of urine samples, lead levels were found to be 40% higher in intermittent vapers and 30% higher in frequent compared to occasional vapers. Uranium levels also doubled among frequent users compared to occasional users. Additionally, 90% higher uranium levels were observed in those who preferred sweet flavors compared to menthol or mint.
The authors point out that since this is an observational study, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn about the relationship between the levels of toxic metals and the frequency or type of flavor of vaping. They also mention that the levels of these metals can vary depending on the brand and type of device used. Although the levels detected in urine suggest chronic exposure, they were only evaluated at one specific time. Additionally, they indicate that uranium detected in urine can come from various sources, including environmental exposure.
“Due to the great toxicity of lead and its especially harmful effects on the younger population, the results of this study would support the establishment of stricter policies to control the use of electronic cigarettes in adolescents”
Despite the possible limitations of the work, the researchers conclude in their article: “Vaping in the first years of life could increase the risk of exposure to metals, which could harm brain and organ development. “Regulation on vaping should safeguard the young population against addiction and exposure to metals.”
“Electronic cigarettes are a source of exposure to heavy metals,” says Pablo Olmedo, professor in the Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology of the Faculty of Medicine, who has not participated in the study, in statements to SMC Spain. . “The metal resistances of these devices are heated to high temperatures to generate the aerosol that is inhaled. Previous studies have shown that in this process the aerosol becomes contaminated with a wide variety of metals from the resistance. “Some of these metals can have serious health consequences, especially in the most vulnerable population groups such as young people, whose organism is developing,” he explains.
“It is interesting that the levels of lead and uranium were higher in those adolescents with higher frequencies of consumption. Lead exposure is especially concerning, as it is very harmful to the neurological development of young people. The presence of lead in the aerosol of electronic cigarettes has already been confirmed by different studies.”
“The results of this study are consistent with those of other studies that link electronic cigarette consumption with increased exposure to metals. Lead is capable of accumulating in the body throughout life and we are exposed to it in different ways. However, given the age of the participants in this study, which is in adolescence, we can assume that their lead levels would be influenced by the use of electronic cigarettes. “Other metals such as nickel or chromium, which are major components of the resistance of electronic cigarettes, should have been measured for a better evaluation of exposure to metals through said devices.”
“Due to the great toxicity of lead and its especially harmful effects on the younger population, the results of this study would support the establishment of stricter policies to control the use of electronic cigarettes in adolescents. The great similarity in terms of the composition and operation of electronic cigarettes around the world makes this a problem that affects all countries where the use of these devices is frequent,” he concludes.
