Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (ECs) emit many toxic substances, including metals, that can pose a threat to users and the environment. The toxicity of the emitted metals depends on their oxidation states. Hence, this study examines the oxidation states of metals observed in EC aerosols. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the filters that collected EC aerosols identified the oxidation states of five primary metals (based on surface sample analysis), including chromium(III) (close to 100%) under low power setting while a noticeable amount of chromium(VI) (15%) at higher power settings of the EC, and copper(II) (100%), zinc(II) (100%), nickel(II) (100%), lead(II) (65%), and lead(IV) (35%) regardless of power settings. This observation indicates that the increased temperature due to higher power settings could alter the oxidation states of certain metals. We noted that many metals were in their lesser toxic states; however, inhaling these metals may still pose health risks.
Recommended Citation
K. F. Kapiamba et al., "Examining the Oxidation States of Metals in Aerosols Emitted by Electronic Cigarettes," Chemical Research in Toxicology, vol. 37, no. 7, pp. 1113 - 1120, American Chemical Society, Jul 2024.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00033
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Second Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1520-5010; 0893-228X
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 American Chemical Society, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
15 Jul 2024
PubMed ID
38957009
Comments
National Science Foundation, Grant 2204659