Health Effects of Trace Metals in Electronic Cigarette Aerosols-a Systematic Review

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#aerosols #electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems #environmental-pollutants #humans #metals-heavy

Health Effects of Trace Metals in Electronic Cigarette Aerosols-a Systematic Review

Gaur et al., 2019 | Biol Trace Elem Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Gaur Sumit, Agnihotri Rupali. Health Effects of Trace Metals in Electronic Cigarette Aerosols-a Systematic Review. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2019-Apr;188(2):295-315. doi:10.1007/s12011-018-1423-x

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are essentially nicotine delivery devices that mimic the appearance of a conventional cigarette (CC). Lately, they have been marketed as tools for quitting smoking. Even though they are promoted as safe alternatives to CC, they are not devoid of hazardous components. Literature reveals that the EC aerosols and e-liquids are a potential source of elements that induce and promote development of chronic conditions. These include trace metals which are leached from their core assembly. Some of these metals like nickel, chromium, cadmium, tin, aluminum, and lead are potential carcinogens. They have been associated with fatal conditions like lung and sinonasal cancer. Besides, they may have adverse effects on oral tissues like periodontal ligament and mucosa where they may trigger chronic periodontitis and oral cancer. However, there is only trivial evidence related to health hazards of metals released from ECs. With this background, the present review first focuses on the structure of the ECs followed by an appraisal of the data from experimental studies about the metals released in EC aerosols and their associated health hazards.

Key Findings

With this background, the present review first focuses on the structure of the ECs followed by an appraisal of the data from experimental studies about the metals released in EC aerosols and their associated health hazards.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aerosols
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Humans
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Nicotine
  • Risk Assessment
  • Nicotiana
  • Trace Elements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09