this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2025
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Metal contamination in vape aerosols chart

"The scientists analyzed the metal and metalloids inside seven types of disposable devices from three of the most popular brands. Using an instrument to activate the disposable e-cigarettes and heat the internal liquid, they created between 500 and 1,500 puffs for each device. They found:

Some devices emitted surprisingly high concentrations of elements in the vapor, including antimony and lead. Levels of chromium, nickel and antimony increased as the number of puffs increased. Most of the disposable e-cigarettes tested released markedly higher amounts of metals and metalloids into vapors than earlier, refillable vapes."

https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/disposable-e-cigarettes-more-toxic-traditional-cigarettes

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.5c00641

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[–] DeceasedPassenger@lemmy.world 19 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

In 2017, disposable vapes barely existed. The vaping industry was obsessed with being the healthier alternative to cigarettes. The vast majority were using devices with stainless steel coils, pure cotton for wicking, and replaceable batteries. When "popcorn lung" was discovered, studied, and diacetyl found to be the cause, the industry largely self-regulated before the FDA ever stepped in. Companies published lab results showing the contents of their juices, and people were largely aware of the dangers around cheaply made coils with questionable metals. Around 2020 (to my memory at least), a huge glut of disposables began entering the market. Undoing the vast majority of progress made in terms of recyclability and health. It's been a backward slide ever since, and I'm 100% convinced that it was orchestrated by the tobacco industry. It's no coincidence that British American Tobacco (Lucky Strike, Pall Mall) owns one of the biggest vape brands sold in gas stations, Vuse, which has conveniently evaded the vape bans being passed in California and other states. Altria (Marlboro) owns a stake in Juul, as well as having their own vape company, NJOY.

Do some research if you actually care. You're blowing smoke. Like it or not, smoking cannabis carries a risk of lung cancer due to the tar, benzene, and hydrocarbons. "Uhm ackshually it cures cancer-" yes when it's used in the form of RSO. Not just taking a joint to the dome. There's no getting around the fact you're inhaling burning plant matter.

edited for rule #1