Disposable vapes popular among teens may be more carcinogenic than cigarettes, according to a UC Davis study that found dangerously high metal levels in unregulated devices.
At a Glance
- Researchers found toxic metals in ELF Bar, Flum Pebble, and Esco vape aerosols.
- Lead levels in one vape equaled those from smoking 19 cigarette packs.
- Nickel, lead, and antimony concentrations exceeded established cancer-risk thresholds.
- Disposable vapes emitted more metals than refillables and combustible cigarettes.
- The study raises new alarms over youth vaping and FDA oversight gaps.
Cancer-Risk Metals Exceed Cigarette Thresholds
In a peer-reviewed study published in ACS Central Science, researchers from UC Davis analyzed vapor from three non–FDA‑authorized disposable vapes and found alarming levels of heavy metals. The tested brands—ELF Bar, Flum Pebble, and Esco—emitted nickel, lead, and antimony, all of which exceeded inhalation cancer-risk thresholds set by public health agencies.
Most striking, one ELF Bar model released enough lead in its aerosol to approximate the exposure of smoking 19 packs of cigarettes across a similar puff duration. The study concluded that repeated inhalation could significantly elevate long-term cancer risk, especially among adolescent users.
Watch a report: Disposable E-Cigarettes May Be More Toxic Than Cigarettes
Alarming Findings and Industry Gaps
The lead author, Brett Poulin, said he initially thought the lab equipment was malfunctioning when he saw the first batch’s lead readings. Compared with both combustible cigarettes and older refillable vapes, these disposables emitted higher metal concentrations, particularly after hundreds of puffs. The study also flagged voltage instability and coil degradation as factors worsening metal output.
Notably, these brands dominate youth consumption in both the U.S. and U.K., despite lacking FDA authorization. Experts say the devices’ brightly colored packaging and candy-like flavors mask their dangerously elevated toxic profiles.
Public Health Fallout and Regulatory Calls
Health professionals are sounding the alarm. Exposure to vaporized nickel and lead is linked to respiratory inflammation, neurological damage, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. For adolescents, who are still neurologically developing, repeated exposure can lead to irreversible harm.
Researchers urged regulators to tighten control of disposable vape imports, many of which circumvent customs and FDA scrutiny. They also recommend immediate studies on long-term exposure effects and stronger labeling requirements to warn consumers of heavy metal content.
The findings cast doubt on vaping’s reputation as a harm-reduction tool. In many cases, the study suggests, these unregulated disposable vapes may pose a greater carcinogenic threat than the cigarettes they were intended to replace.
