According to a study, the passive vapor of e-cigarettes is less harmful than the smoke spewed out by tobacco smokers. But researchers have also found several toxic metals there.
The vapor spewed out by e-cigarette consumers may be less harmful than that of cigarettes, but it is also not without its dangers. Indeed, in a new study published a few days ago in the Journal of Environmental Science, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) analyzed the passive vapor of e-cigarettes. They found that it exposed the entourage to ten times less potentially toxic products than tobacco.
Nickel, lead, zinc, but also chromium
However, researchers have detected high levels of some toxic metals like nickel, lead, zinc. They even found chrome which is absent from conventional cigarettes.
According to these scientists, the vast majority of these metals come from the cartridge of the electronic cigarette. “Their concentration could thus be reduced by modifying the manufacturing methods”, they specify.
“If better manufacturing standards emerge it could reduce the amount of metals in the smoke,” said the lead author of the article. And the latter added that, “studies of this kind are necessary for the implementation of regulatory measures that are more protective of users. “
WHO warns of potential dangers of e-cigarettes
In the meantime, these results support the recommendations of the World Health Organization to ban electronic cigarettes to minors and in closed public places.
Like the American Association of Cardiologists (AHA), the WHO recalled that these products would not be composed “of water vapor as advertisers claim.” The WHO also insisted on the “extreme” danger represented for the fetus. Finally, she specified that non-smokers also take risks by exposing themselves to nicotine and “a certain number of toxic substances.” ”
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