ArticleEnvironmental research2019
Analysis of the elements and metals in multiple generations of electronic cigarette atomizers.
Article in Environmental research, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 31 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
31 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 60 citations in OpenAlex.
- Health Hazards of E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products: a Comprehensive Analysis of Hazardous Substances and Regulatory Gaps.Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco · 2026Pooled it
- Metal/Metalloid Levels in Electronic Cigarette Liquids, Aerosols, and Human Biosamples: A Systematic Review.Environmental health perspectives · 2020Pooled it
- Electronic nicotine delivery system design and aerosol toxicants: A systematic review.PloS one · 2020Pooled it
- Comprehensive Health Risk Assessment of Electronic Cigarette Aerosols: Metal and PAH Characterization, Oxidative Potential, and Cancer Risk Estimation.ACS environmental Au · 2026Article
- Frequent, dual and nighttime nicotine use among Dutch adolescents: findings from a school-based survey.European journal of pediatrics · 2025Article
- Detection of Metal-Containing Particles in FDA-Authorized and New Disposable Electronic Cigarette Aerosols.Environmental science & technology · 2025Article
- Unraveling the Toxicological Effects of Hydroxyacetone - A Reaction Product in Electronic Cigarette Aerosols.bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · 2025Article
- Clinical Impact of Vaping.Toxics · 2025Review
- Quantification of 16 Metals in Fluids and Aerosols From Ultrasonic Pod-Style Cigarettes and Comparison to Electronic Cigarettes.Environmental health perspectives · 2025Article
- Electronic Cigarette-Derived Metals: Exposure and Health Risks in Vapers.Chemical research in toxicology · 2025Review
- Review
- Menthol, a consumer product additive, adversely affects human embryonic stem cells via activation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 channels.Stem cells translational medicine · 2025Article
- Acetaldehyde and methylglyoxal: comparative analysis of toxic electronic cigarette degradation products in 3D and 2D exposure systems using human bronchial epithelial models.Frontiers in toxicology · 2025Article
- Breaking the Myths Around e-Cigarettes: A Narrative Review Exploring the Impact of e-Cigarette on Human Health.Cureus · 2024Review
- Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents in E-Liquids and Aerosols from Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).Chemical research in toxicology · 2024Article
- Metal Concentrations in E-Cigarette Aerosol Samples: A Comparison by Device Type and Flavor.Environmental health perspectives · 2023Article
- Exposure to metals among Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) users in the PATH study: A longitudinal analysis.Environmental research · 2023Article
- Occurrence of metals in e-cigarette liquids: Influence of coils on metal leaching and exposure assessment.Heliyon · 2023Article
- Chemical Elements, Flavor Chemicals, and Nicotine in Unused and Used Electronic Cigarettes Aged 5-10 Years and Effects of pH.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
- E-cigarettes and youth: an unresolved Public Health concern.Italian journal of pediatrics · 2022Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundSince their release in 2004, electronic cigarettes (ECs) and their atomizers have undergone significant evolution.
objectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the elemental/metal composition of atomizers in cartomizer and tank style ECs produced over a 5-year period.
methodsPopular cartomizer and tank models of ECs were dissected and photographed using a stereoscopic microscope, and elemental analysis of EC atomizers was done using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.
resultsEight elements/metals were found in most products across and within brands purchased at different times. These included chromium, nickel, copper, silver, tin, silicon, aluminum, and zinc. Iron and lead were found in some but not all products, while manganese, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, and tungsten were only found in a few of the products. The metals used in various components were often similar in cartomizer and tank models. Filaments were usually chromium and nickel (nichrome), although in some newer products, the filament also contained iron, copper, and manganese. The thick wire in earlier products was usually copper coated with silver, while in some newer products, the thick wire was predominantly nickel. In all products, the wick was silica, and sheaths, when present, were fiberglass (silicon, oxygen, calcium, aluminum, magnesium). Wire-to-wire joints were either brazed or clamped with brass (copper and zinc), and air-tube-to-thick wire joints, when present, were usually soldered with tin. Tank style products generally lacked a thick wire and sheaths.
conclusionIn general, atomizer components in ECs were remarkably similar over time and between brands. Certain elements/metals were consistently found in most models from all generations, and these should be studied carefully to determine if their transfer to aerosols affects user's health and if their accumulation in trash affects the environment.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.