Disposable e-cigarettes are more toxic than traditional cigarettes, researchers say
Disposable electronic cigarettes that are popular with teenagers are more toxic than traditional cigarettes, researchers cautioned on Wednesday.
Researchers from the University of California at Davis found that, following a few hundred puffs, some vape pods and other e-cigarettes emit higher amounts of toxic metals than traditional cigarettes.
One of the e-cigarettes they studied released more lead during the course of a day than nearly 20 packs of traditional cigarettes. In humans, exposure to lead has been shown to result in reproductive issues, high blood pressure, hypertension, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, and memory and concentration problems in adults. In children, it can lead to hearing problems, slowed growth, headaches, learning and behavioral difficulties, lowered IQ, and damage to the brain and nervous system.
'Our study highlights the hidden risk of these new and popular disposable electronic cigarettes — with hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead and carcinogenic nickel and antimony — which stresses the need for urgency in enforcement,' Brett Poulin, an assistant professor at the university's Davis Department of Environmental Toxicology, said in a statement. 'These risks are not just worse than other e-cigarettes but worse in some cases than traditional cigarettes.'
Poulin was the senior author of the findings, which were published in the journal ACS Central Science.
To reach these conclusions, the scientists analyzed the metal and elements that exhibit properties of metals in seven types of disposable devices from three of the most popular brands. The brands included Esco Bar, Flum Pebble, and ELF Bar. The brands did not immediately reply to The Independent's requests for comment.
They activated the e-cigarettes and created between 500 and 1,500 puffs per device tested.
The authors found that some devices emitted 'surprisingly high' concentrations of lead and antimony, that levels of chromium, nickel, and antimony increased as the number of puffs increased, and that most of the disposable e-cigarettes tested released markedly higher amounts of metals and metalloids into vapors than earlier and refillable vapes.
Antimony is used in flame retardant, chromium is used in the production of stainless steel, and nickel is used in appliances and rechargeable batteries. Antimony is a hazardous substance that can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and a hole in the septum. Chromium exposure is also linked to kidney and liver damage, as well as respiratory cancer and perforated eardrums. Nickel can cause a variety of side effects on human health, such as allergy, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, lung fibrosis, and lung and nasal cancer. There are other chemicals in e-cigarettes that also may cause cancer.
Then, the researchers took the devices apart, hoping to trace the sources of the metals.
They saw that components in some devices that were made of leaded bronze alloy had leached into e-liquids in the cartridges and that nickel was being released from heating coils. Antimony was also in the unused e-liquids.
'We found that these disposable devices have toxins already present in the e-liquid, or they're leaching quite extensively from their components into e-liquids and ultimately transferred to the smoke,' Mark Salazar, a Ph.D. candidate in Poulin's lab and the study's first author, explained.
For daily users, vapors from three devices had nickel levels and two devices had antimony levels that exceeded cancer risk limits. Four of the devices had nickel and lead emissions that surpassed health-risk thresholds for illnesses besides cancer, such as neurological damage and respiratory diseases.
E-cigarette use has been tied to lung injuries, with more than 2,800 hospitalizations and 68 deaths reported between the summer of 2019 and February 2020, according to Yale Medicine.
Although most disposable e-cigarettes are illegal in the U.S., they remain available. Last week, the Supreme Court sided with companies in a ruling making it easier to sue over Food and Drug Administration decisions blocking their products from the market.
ELF Bar and Esco Bar have been the focus of Food and Drug Administration scrutiny. ELF Bar's website says it is not available in the U.S. and FLUM is illegal under California's retail flavor ban. To date, 34 tobacco- and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products and devices have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.
The majority of e-cigarette consumers are teens and young adults, including 1.63 million students, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Like regular cigarettes, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the parts of an adolescent's brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Last year, however, use among youth plummeted to the lowest level in a decade.
Still, the risks associated with using e-cigarettes remain, and young adults are at increased risk of lead exposure. The researchers noted that the market is outpacing science, heightening the need to enforce regulations around illegal e-cigarettes.
'Pediatric tobacco use and nicotine dependence are significant health concerns. Despite declines in cigarette use, youth still use tobacco products—including e-cigarettes—at high rates,' the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors issue urgent warning over 13 common meds that could cause deadly side effects during heatwave
Doctors are warning about common medications that could have life-threatening side effects in hot weather amid a brutal heatwave sweeping the US. Dr Nicholas Dragolea, the founder of UK-based My Longevity Centre, pinpoints 13 types of drugs taken by millions across the country, which could have devastating consequences when combined with temperatures exceeding 86 F. Your browser does not support iframes.
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
The truth about fruit juice and smoothies: should you down them or ditch them?
When my sister saw me drinking a glass of orange juice at breakfast, she was horrified. 'You're drinking pure sugar!' she said. Juice, once considered so virtuous people paid good money to go on 'juice fasts', has been demonised over the past decade. The epidemiologist and author Tim Spector has said orange juice should 'come with a health warning' and he'd rather people drink Coca-Cola. Despite this, the global juice market is growing, with chains such as Joe & the Juice expanding rapidly – and in an umbrella review last year, Australian researchers found potential health benefits to drinking juice. So should you jettison your juicer and boycott juice bars? Or add a glass of OJ to your daily diet? I asked the experts to clear up the confusion. It depends where you live. In the US, 100% juice is a recommended 'primary beverage' alongside water. In Canada, though, juice has been excluded from healthy eating guidelines altogether. Other countries tend to be somewhere in between. The UK, Spain and the Netherlands recommend limiting juice to one serving a day, while in New Zealand the limit is once a week and Australia suggests one serving 'occasionally'. Sammie Gill, a registered dietitian with the British Dietetic Association, says juices offer a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, such as polyphenols. Studies from the US, Canada and Iran 'have shown that drinking orange or apple juice is linked with lower levels of inflammation and improvements in cardiovascular health,' she says. 'Fruit juice shouldn't be discouraged within the context of a healthy balanced diet.' As well as vitamins, juice also provides a concentrated source of sugar (mainly fructose). Consuming too many of these 'free sugars' – released when the fruit is crushed into juice – contributes to tooth decay and obesity and may put you at risk of type 2 diabetes. The WHO suggests limiting the intake of free sugars, including those found in fruit juice, to less than 10% of daily calories; the UK limit is 5%, or 30g (seven teaspoons). 'A 150ml serving of fruit juice contains around 12g of free sugars, so it's very easy to exceed your maximum with just a few glasses,' says Gill. 'Drinking fruit and vegetables in liquid form is very different to eating whole fruit and vegetables in their intact form,' Gill says. 'You're only getting partial benefit.' Namely, you miss out on the fibre found in the fruit's skin and flesh. 'With whole fruit, mechanical breakdown (chewing) and chemical breakdown (enzymes) slowly release the contents of the fruit's cells. In liquid form, fruit passes through your gut and is absorbed more quickly, which can result in a rapid release of sugar into the bloodstream.' She adds that large amounts of fructose in one go can trigger symptoms in people with a sensitive gut, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome. Rob Hobson, the author of Unprocess Your Family Life, says vegetable juice tends to be lower in sugar and contain a wider range of nutrients: 'For example, beetroot juice contains nitrates, carrot juice contains vitamin A and dark leafy greens such as kale contain magnesium and calcium.' With shop-bought green juices, he advises checking the ingredients list – many are mainly apple juice. And, he stresses: 'Drinking green juice is never as good as eating the whole vegetable.' The 2024 Australian review concludes that while more studies are needed on vegetable juice, it could be a useful addition to people's diets. 'Vegetable consumption is even lower than fruit consumption at a population level. As such, it is important to consider the potential for vegetable juices to be incorporated into models of healthy eating to address this gap,' write the researchers. Even Spector is a fan. In his book The Diet Myth, he says a regular multi-vegetable juice has health benefits. If they are made from whole fruits and vegetables blended up, smoothies will contain beneficial fibre – but beware shop-bought ones made from fruit purees. 'Homemade smoothies are your best bet because you can use all edible parts of the fruits and vegetables, including the juice, flesh, seeds and skins,' says Gill. 'Leaving the skins on can increase the fibre content by up to 50%. You're getting more nutritional bang for your buck.' In the UK, frozen berries were added to the ONS inflation basket in 2023 and mango was added this year, reflecting the growing popularity of homemade smoothies. Vary your ingredients for maximum nutritional benefit and prioritise vegetables over fruit, says Gill. You can add protein, healthy fats and additional fibre in the form of milk, yoghurt or kefir, nut butter, seeds and oats. Hobson likes to make a smoothie bowl topped with coconut shavings and chopped fruit. Bridget Benelam of the British Nutrition Foundation advises keeping an eye on calories. 'There's a feeling that if it's a drink, it doesn't count, but of course it does. Just be aware of it and adjust other things in your diet to maintain balance.' Dietary advice in many countries is to drink no more than 125-150ml of fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothie daily – a small glass. The Australian study concluded you can be a little more generous: 'The multiple potential beneficial effects detected at low to moderate levels (50-240 ml/day) of 100% juice consumption can provide exposure to beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds, without the risks associated with excess consumption of free sugars and calories.' Gill says that consuming anything in excess can be harmful to health. 'Enjoy a glass of fruit juice or smoothie, but don't rely on it to hydrate you throughout the day. It shouldn't be your default drink … Think of it this way: it takes three to four oranges to make one glass of juice. You wouldn't eat four oranges in one sitting.' No. Even a green juice containing five different vegetables, or a smoothie made from five kinds of fruit, counts for only one of your five a day, because of the free sugars and lack of fibre. Hobson goes further. 'Juice is an extra – you should still eat at least five fruits and vegetables in whole form,' he says. 'You shouldn't get into the habit of drinking your nutrition. We should be chewing, not sipping!' As well as prioritising vegetables, include lower-sugar fruits such as berries, stone fruits, citrus fruits, kiwi and avocado. Consider diluting juices and smoothies with still or sparkling water, or ice – Benelam says juice should always be diluted half and half with water when given to children. The NHS advises drinking juices and smoothies at mealtimes, not as a between-meal snack, to reduce the risk of tooth decay. This may have an added benefit, says Hobson – especially for vegetarians and vegans. 'Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from plant-based sources such as dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, seeds, beans and lentils.' 'Always choose a pure 100% fruit juice, ideally with pulp,' says Gill. Avoid 'fruit nectars' and products labelled 'juice drinks': 'They are bulked out with other ingredients such as sweeteners, colours and flavourings.' 'It depends what you can afford,' points out Hobson. 'Buy fresh juice if you can – pasteurised juice loses vitamin C. You'll still get some vitamin C from juice that is made from concentrate, but avoid any with added sugar or syrup.' 'Vitamin C is sensitive to oxidisation and levels do decline, so freshly made juices at a juice bar may contain more,' says Benelam. 'But portions tend to be very large – go for a small size.' Gill says there is evidence to show that ginger can help with nausea and that turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects. 'There is no harm in taking a daily shot if you enjoy it,' she says. 'At the same time, they are often expensive, can contain added sugars and different brands contain different amounts of ginger.' She notes that supplementing with ginger can interact with medications such as blood thinners; seek advice from a pharmacist if necessary. Hobson is more sceptical. 'I'm not sold on fruit shots,' he says. 'A lot of them are apple juice with a bit of ginger.' It's probably better – and certainly cheaper – to use ginger and turmeric in cooking instead. 'Juice fasts are unsustainable and unrealistic for most people,' says Gill. 'While fruit and vegetables are a rich source of many nutrients, including fibre and vitamin C, they are limited in other nutrients – such as vitamin B12, iron, omega 3 and protein. They cannot provide the body with all its nutritional needs. Food diversity is what's needed for optimal health.' There is no need to 'detox', adds Benelam. 'Our bodies are very good at getting rid of toxins.' And Hobson is unequivocal: 'Avoid juice fasts at all costs. There are no health benefits whatsoever.' 'We should get most of our hydration from water,' says Benelam – but it doesn't have to be plain. Gill suggests flavouring still or sparkling water with chopped fruit or berries; a squeeze of lemon or lime; herbs such as mint, basil or rosemary; or slices of cucumber. She says other drink options include kombucha – 'Just check the amount of sugar, which can vary from brand to brand' – and herbal and fruit teas (hot or iced). Gill suggests Greek yoghurt topped with banana or berries, chia seeds and honey. Benelam keeps it simple: 'A glass of milk – cow's or plant-based – is a good alternative before or after the gym. It contains protein, nutrients and electrolytes.' In an ideal world, we'd get our vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds (such as polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids) from whole fruits and vegetables, rather than juices and smoothies. However, most of us don't eat enough of them. As the Australian review points out, juices and smoothies are an 'affordable, accessible and palatable' addition to the diet. You're not better off with Cola-Cola – but you should stick to one small glass a day. Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Experts pinpoint shocking cancer trigger in TAP WATER as map shows worst-affected areas of the US
A silent killer is lurking in tens of millions of faucets nationwide, with families in agricultural areas of the country at greatest risk. A mixture of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock manure are leaching into the groundwater, creating nitrates - compounds naturally found in the environment that can be harmful in large amounts - which can cause methemoglobinemia, a potentially fatal condition in infants commonly known as blue-baby syndrome. Long-term exposure to this chemical in water — even below the EPA's maximum safety limit of 10 mg/L — is linked to thyroid, kidney, ovarian, bladder, and colon cancers, DNA damage, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and rising colon cancer rates in young people. New research from the Des Moines University College of Health Sciences zeroed in on the effects that a pregnant woman's exposure to the chemical has on her unborn baby. Nitrate levels as low as just one percent of the EPA's safety limit increased the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight, conditions that have been linked to a higher risk of chronic disease, learning disabilities, and mental health struggles in the baby's future. Dr Jason Semprini, the study's author, said that exposure to nitrate in pregnancy causes about 15 percent as much harm as smoking during pregnancy. 'I do not want to diminish the importance of efforts to prevent smoking during pregnancy,' he said. 'But, I must ask, do we give nitrates 15 percent of the attention we give to smoking?' An estimated 60 million Americans rely on tap water that is, unbeknownst to them, laced with nitrates. They tend to live in states and rural areas where agriculture is central to the economy, such as Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, central California, Texas, and Oklahoma. Dr Semprini added: 'Our work adds to the evidence base that the current regulatory threshold (more than 10mg/L) may be insufficient for protecting the in utero transmission of water-based nitrate during the first trimester of pregnancy.' His research was published in the journal PLOS Water. Nitrate pollution affects larger cities, as well. An analysis by the Environmental Working Group highlighted the problem in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Miami, and the suburbs of New York City. Drinking water in 43 states had nitrate levels of 3 mg/L or higher in major water systems, while 39 states had at least one large system with levels at or above 5 mg/L, according to the group's latest report. While still below the EPA's maximum safety limit, public health experts argue the standards should be stricter. When the safety limit was first established in the 1950s, scientists discovered that levels as low as 11 mg/L could cause blue baby syndrome. Blue Baby Syndrome, clinically known as methemoglobinemia, is a rare but serious condition where an infant's blood cannot carry enough oxygen, leading to a bluish skin discoloration, particularly around the lips, fingers, and toes. The most well-known cause is nitrate contamination in drinking water, which is sometimes mixed with formula. It's very rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported in the US, but it is more common in parts of the world where well water is not tested. According to former Wisconsin state toxicologist Dave Belluck, the standard was set at 10, right up to the edge of safety. 'It's akin to a cliff,' he said. 'When you're standing on the edge of the cliff, you're safe. You take one step, and it's just like the Road Runner.' But Belluck dove deeper into the research that informed safety designation, finding that some infants in the study became sick at nitrate levels nearly 30 times lower, just 0.4 mg/L. He now believes the EPA's standards should be stricter, arguing that the science clearly shows nitrates are more harmful than previously thought. Other studies on the subject have come to similar conclusions. Researchers from Nova Scotia, Canada, tracked major birth defects recorded in the area between 1998 and 2006 and found they were twice as likely in areas where drinking water nitrate levels were between 1 and 5.56 mg/L. Exposure over time to nitrates could also increase a person's risk of a variety of cancers and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the compounds as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'. A 2008 study of women in rural Wisconsin found that women drinking water containing 10 mg/l or more were nearly three times as likely to get a deadly cancer that affects the first part of the colon. Even nitrate levels between one and 5.9 mg/l increased the risk of cancer by 1.4 times. Meanwhile, in Spain and Italy, scientists identified a connection between nitrates in drinking water and colorectal cancer. Analyzing nearly 5,400 participants, the study revealed that people who consumed more than 10 mg of nitrate per day from water – roughly equivalent to drinking two liters of water containing 5 mg/L of nitrate – had a 49 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who drank half that amount. In Iowa, researchers uncovered links between nitrate exposure and thyroid cancer in older women. Tracking nearly 22,000 women for decades, researchers found that those who drank water with nitrate levels above 5 mg/L for at least five years faced a 2.6 times higher risk of thyroid cancer. And a long-term study of over 28,000 postmenopausal women in 2015 found that those with the highest nitrate levels in their public water supply (2.98 mg/L or above) had twice the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those with the lowest levels. Private well users also saw a moderately elevated risk – 1.5 times – due to agricultural runoff contaminating groundwater. In total, researchers found 315 cases of ovarian cancer over 24 years of follow-up. Nitrate is highly soluble in water, making it difficult and expensive to eliminate. Individual homes or municipal water supply systems could be fitted with reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters to remove toxins from their drinking water. Still, those are expensive and out of reach for many. In addition to stemming from agricultural run-off, leaky septic systems can release untreated wastewater containing nitrates. Landfills, factories, and food processing plants can also leach nitrates over time.
