A new study from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has revealed that vaping devices can deposit toxic metals directly into the lungs, challenging the widespread belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to tobacco.
Published in the journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, the research demonstrated that even brief exposure – at levels lower than typical daily use – leads to a measurable accumulation of nickel, copper, and lead in lung tissue.
Lead researcher Dr Dayanne Bordin, a lecturer in analytical chemistry at UTS, stated that this pre-clinical trial offers the first evidence of organometallic species, including forms of mercury and tin, within e-cigarette aerosols.
These particular metal forms are often more biologically reactive and bioavailable than inorganic metals.
According to Dr Bordin, the observed metal profiles are consistent with emissions from electrical components and heating coils, identifying the hardware itself as a major source of toxic exposure.
She noted that e-cigarettes frequently lack the consistent quality control found in traditional cigarettes and are often produced using materials with unknown toxicological effects. Currently, these metal emissions and their subsequent biological impacts are largely overlooked in both public understanding and formal safety assessments.
The study further highlights significant gaps in how vaping risks are evaluated. Dr Bordin explained that the misconception that vaping is less harmful, combined with deceptive marketing, has fuelled a rapid global increase in use among younger people.
Australian data shows that e-cigarette use among young adults jumped from 5.3 percent in 2019 to more than 21 percent in 2023, with a similar trend recorded among adolescents.
The findings suggest an urgent need to revise vaping regulations to include emissions derived from the devices themselves rather than focusing solely on e-liquid composition. Dr Bordin stressed that these metal exposures are often invisible and rarely discussed, making this information vital for potential users, particularly youth.
The research team is calling for the implementation of mandatory standards and routine testing for emissions from internal parts, such as heating coils. Additionally, the researchers suggest that public health guidance and risk assessment frameworks should be updated to account for metal bioaccumulation. Improving consumer awareness regarding these previously hidden risks is also deemed essential.
