“Is Thing Broken?”: Scientists Stunned by Toxic Metal Levels in Popular Vapes
When researchers at a leading U.S. university tested the vapor from popular disposable vapes, they expected to find some level of contamination. What they didn’t expect was this: lead concentrations so high, they thought their instruments had malfunctioned.
“When I first saw the lead concentrations, they were so high I thought our instrument was broken.” — Mark Salazar, Ph.D. candidate and lead researcher
That moment of disbelief launched a deeper investigation, and what they uncovered has sent shockwaves through the public health community.
The Discovery: A Toxic Cocktail in Every Puff
The study analyzed seven disposable vape brands favored by teens and young adults. Using a lab device that mimicked 500 to 1,500 puffs, scientists found:
Lead levels exceeding those in 20 packs of cigarettes per day
Nickel and antimony—both known carcinogens—present in dangerous concentrations
Toxins already present in unused e-liquid, suggesting metals leach from internal components before the device is even activated
The source? Cheaply made internal parts, including leaded copper alloys and degrading heating coils, which contaminate the liquid and vapor with every use.
Why This Is So Alarming
These aren’t fringe products—they’re mainstream, widely available, and heavily used by teens. Despite being technically illegal in the U.S., many disposable vapes are sold online or in stores with little to no age verification.
And because they’re odorless, smokeless, and marketed in flavors like cotton candy and mango ice, parents and educators often don’t realize teens are using them—until addiction or health issues surface.
The Health Risks
Inhaling heavy metals like lead, nickel, and antimony can lead to:
Neurological damage, especially in developing brains
Respiratory disease and lung inflammation
Increased cancer risk, particularly with long-term exposure
These risks are not just worse than older e-cigarettes—they’re worse than traditional cigarettes in some cases.
What This Means for the Future
If these products remain on the market:
Youth addiction rates will rise, driven by stealthy, high-nicotine devices
Public health systems will face new waves of metal-related illnesses
Environmental waste will grow, as these devices are nearly impossible to recycle
What Needs to Happen Now
Stronger federal enforcement to remove illegal products from shelves
Mandatory testing and labeling for all vape products
Public education campaigns to warn families about the hidden dangers
Support for youth cessation programs, not punishment
This isn’t just a vaping issue—it’s a toxic time bomb hiding in plain sight. And the clock is ticking.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
