Heavy Metals in Cannabis Vapes and Their Health Implications-A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cannabis vaping (CV) devices can release metal contaminants from their components into vape liquids and aerosols.
• Exposure to heavy metals from CVs is linked to adverse health effects and necessitates regulatory oversight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on heavy metal release from cannabis vape devices.
• To identify factors influencing metal leaching and potential health impacts.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches were performed in Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
• Nine studies published up to February 2024 were included.

Main Results:

• Cannabis vape devices leach metals including nickel, chromium, lead, cobalt, cadmium, and copper into aerosols.
• Factors like device integrity, age, temperature, and vape liquid properties influence metal leaching.
• While direct health impacts weren't evaluated, metals are suspected contributors to lung injury (EVALI).

Conclusions:

• Heavy metals exceeding regulatory limits are released from cannabis vape devices, posing health risks.
• Further research is needed to optimize CV device design and reduce metal leaching.
• Transparent disclosure of CV packaging contents is crucial for consumer safety.