Electronic Cigarette-Derived Metals: Exposure and Health Risks in Vapers

Despite the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) among adolescent and youth never-smokers and adult smokers seeking a less harmful substitute for tobacco cigarettes, the long-term health impact of vaping is largely unknown. Biochemical, molecular, and toxicological analyses of biospecimens from e-cig users as well as assays in relevant in vitro models and in silico studies can identify chemical constituents of e-cig emissions that may contribute to the disease-causing potential of vaping. E-cig aerosol contains a wide range of toxic and carcinogenic compounds, of which metals are of particular concern. This is due to the known or suspected role of various metals in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. Many metals and metalloids (herein referred to as "metals") have been detected in e-cig liquid (e-liquid) and aerosol and/or in cells, tissues, biofluids, or other specimens from e-cig users. Metals can contaminate the ingredients of e-liquid or corrode from the internal components of the e-cig device. Metals may also be directly aerosolized from the surface of the heating element or other parts of the device. Inhalation of e-cig metal emissions in habitual vapers and nonusers through secondary exposure may increase the body burden of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. This review summarizes the state of research on e-cig-derived metals and their contributions to the estimated health risks of vaping. Highlighting the chemical composition of e-cig liquid and aerosol, it focuses on the metal contents of the inhaled aerosol and the health risks associated with this exposure. Emphasis is placed on adolescents and youth who are vulnerable populations and bear a disproportionate burden of risk and harm from tobacco products. The gaps in knowledge, methodological challenges, and opportunities ahead are discussed. The importance of translating research findings into actionable information that can be used for the regulation of the manufacturing of tobacco products is underscored.