Mark Salazar (left) and Dr. Brett Poulin (right) in lab showing disposable vape pod. Source: Rolling Stone
Mark Salazar (left) and Dr. Brett Poulin (right) in lab showing disposable vape pod. Source: Rolling Stone

Mark Salazar Exposes Toxic Metals in Popular Disposable E-Cigarettes

  • by Aishwarya Bhusal

Mark Salazar, a Ph.D. candidate in Dr. Brett Poulin’s lab, recently published a paper that is gaining national and international attention for its investigation into toxic metal emissions from disposable e-cigarettes. Published in ACS Central Science, Mark’s research revealed that popular brands like ELF Bar, Flum Pebble, and Esco Bar emit high levels of lead, nickel, and antimony, often exceeding those found in older vape devices and even traditional cigarettes.

mark salazar graphical abstract

The study found that toxic elements can leach significantly into the e-liquid even before use, due to poor-quality internal components. These metals also accumulate with repeated puffing, making the devices increasingly hazardous over time. Risk assessments showed that daily users could inhale dangerous levels of metals, with lead exposure from one device equaling up to 19 packs of cigarettes!

Mark’s research article, which was featured in Rolling Stone along with other news outlets, calls attention to urgent gaps in regulation and the health risks posed to youth, the primary users of these products.

Read the original research article on ACS Central Science
Rolling Stone feature

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