In my quest for information I found this study from Johns Hopkins school of public health. Samples taken from 56 users found “claimed” unsafe levels of lead, chromium, manganese and nickel. The study does not conclude as to where these traces came from, but does suspect the heating coil to which they did state there will be further testing.
They did not go into detail as to what vape products were tested, or how they operated (ie: wattage/TC etc) but given the vast use of Kanthal as a heating coil, the probability of Kanthal being a contributor to any of these toxins is most likely pretty high. Lack of details so I am speculating.
I have no idea of the credibility of this institution, and the lack of details does leave me a little suspect. The article is also written like anti vaping propaganda than any true credible study. But if there is any fact to this, it does demonstrate there are a lot of unknowns as to the toxins being produced by our vape devices.
On a internet forum full of armchair experts (me included) I am sure we can come up with a bunch of speculative answer/debates toward these so called claims. BUT….can we provide objective data that proves they are either wrong, or that if we vape at XYZ levels we are in the clear from these toxins? I am leaving that open for discussion.
My personal view is I have little concern. Vaping has been the only way I have been able to break free from that ball and chain that is referred to as cigarettes that took control of my life for 35+ years. And as I mentioned above there are many hazards within life that we show little to no concern over. But lack of concern, at least from myself, does not mean we should not acknowledge the risks….should the above risks be of fact.
I will leave you with the link to the study for all to interpreted as they wish. I am off to vape my Kanthal mesh and feed my cat some bacon in the event she does evolve opposable thumbs and decides to take over the world!
Study: Lead and Other Toxic Metals Found in E-Cigarette ‘Vapors’