Do E-Liquids Contain Toxic Heavy Metals?
Should you be worried about vapour containing heavy metals?
According to media articles whipping up fear, the answer is 'yes' - but multiple independent studies have demonstrated there is little basis to such claims. Vapekit would like to offer you a balanced view of the situation.
What is a heavy metal?
A heavy metal is any metal element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. Heavy metals include lead, chromium, manganese, zinc and nickel.
What are the health implications of heavy metal toxicity?
Heavy metal toxicity occurs when heavy metals accumulate in the body at levels that interfere with normal biological functions. Because these metals can bind to proteins, enzymes, and DNA, they affect nearly every organ system. The severity of issues will depend on the metal involved, the dose, and the duration of exposure.
Neurological Effects
Heavy metals are particularly toxic to the brain and nervous system and so can result in the following health issues:
Lead
- Cognitive impairment, reduced IQ in children
- Memory loss, difficulty concentrating
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness)
- Behavioural changes: irritability, impulsivity
- Developmental delays
Mercury
- Tremors, coordination problems
- Visual and auditory disturbances
- Mood changes (anxiety, irritability, depression)
- In utero exposure: impaired brain development, language and motor deficits
Arsenic
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Impaired cognitive function with chronic exposure
Kidney (Renal) Damage
The kidneys are vulnerable because they filter toxins from the blood.
- Tubular dysfunction
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
- Chronic kidney disease from cadmium and lead
- Proteinuria (excess protein in urine)
Cardiovascular Effects
Heavy metal exposure is linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
- Hypertension (especially from lead and cadmium)
- Atherosclerosis due to oxidative stress
- Arrhythmias
- Increased risk of ischemic heart disease
Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Effects
Acute or chronic exposure may lead to:
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
- Disruption of glucose metabolism (arsenic is a known diabetogenic toxin)
Hematological Effects
Metals can interfere with blood cell production.
- Lead inhibits haemoglobin synthesis → anaemia
- Arsenic can cause bone marrow suppression
- Fatigue, weakness
Immune System Dysfunction
Immune dysregulation can occur with heavy metal accumulation.
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Autoimmune reactions
- Chronic inflammation
Dermatological Signs
Some metals cause characteristic skin changes:
- Arsenic: hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis (thickened skin), “raindrop” discoloration
- Silver: argyria (permanent bluish-grey skin discoloration)
- Nickel: allergic dermatitis
Endocrine and Reproductive Effects
Heavy metals can disrupt hormone signalling or damage reproductive organs.
- Menstrual irregularities
- Reduced fertility
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes (low birth weight, miscarriage)
- Reduced sperm count or motility
- Hormonal disruption (cadmium affects testosterone production)
- Some metals (like cadmium) can mimic estrogen or interfere with thyroid function
Carcinogenic Effects
Several heavy metals are classified as known human carcinogens.
Arsenic → skin, bladder, lung cancers
Cadmium → prostate and lung cancers
Hexavalent Chromium → lung cancer
Nickel → nasal and lung cancers
Mechanisms include DNA damage, oxidative stress, and impaired DNA repair.
Bone and Skeletal Effects
Metals can interfere with bone metabolism.
- Lead competes with calcium → weak bones, growth retardation in children
- Cadmium causes osteomalacia and osteoporosis
- Increased fracture risk
Liver Damage
The liver metabolizes and stores many metals. Potential issues include:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Fibrosis and cirrhosis with chronic exposure
- Fatty liver disease
Summary: Why Heavy Metals Are Particularly Dangerous
- They accumulate in organs over time
- They generate oxidative stress, damaging cells
- They bind to proteins and enzymes, disrupting essential functions
- They cross the blood–brain barrier and placenta, affecting infants and developing fetuses
- Symptoms may be nonspecific, leading to delayed diagnosis
So, do e-liquids contain heavy metals?
In 2018, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States released a damning report (2). Almost all media outlets jumped on the press release claiming that vaping placed people at risk from lead, chromium, manganese, zinc and nickel.
The researchers said that vapers were at risk of contracting cancer or developing brain damage from these heavy metals. But just 56 vapers had handed over their devices. These were then used by the researchers to take 4 second vapour samples, rest for just 30 seconds, then repeat.
Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos took to Facebook to write the concentrations of heavy metals in the findings were far too low to be a cause for concern. Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos has been conducting vape related research since the early days and is a truly independent scientist who does not receive funding from any vested interests.
Constance Wiener and Ruchi Bhandari (West Virginia University) produced a clear piece of work that detailed precisely what they did and didn't misrepresent the findings. They admitted that "exposure of toxic metals from e-cigarette use is a cause for public health concern", but found that, "blood lead levels, and urinary cadmium, barium, and antimony levels were similar between participants who used e-cigarettes and participants who did not".
The TRPR and contaminants
In the UK, vaping products are regulated by The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR). This legislation represented the adoption of the European Tobacco Directive (TPD) in the UK.
The TRPR stipulates that all e-liquids must be emissions tested and their ingredients declared before being notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Any contaminants including heavy metals would be identified during emissions testing.
Conclusions
Vapers who purchase genuine branded products in the UK that have been notified to the MHRA can be confident that their chosen flavours do not contain dangerous levels of heavy metals.
