The Hidden Dangers of High Lead and Nickel in Illegal Vape Devices

As vaping gains popularity, particularly among teenagers, a recent scientific study conducted at Baxter College, Kidderminster raises alarming questions about the safety of this activity. They discovered that the vapes being used by students contained dangerous levels of lead and nickel—more than twice the daily safe amount of lead and nine times that of nickel.

The Inter Scientific laboratory in Liverpool, renowned for their collaboration with vape manufacturers to uphold regulatory standards, embarked on an investigative journey into the world of vapes. They examined a total of 18 vapes, mainly illegal and devoid of any regulatory checks before they infiltrated the UK market.

Lead, Nickel, Chromium

The laboratory was appalled by the results. Co-founder David Lawson lamented the findings, calling them the “worst set of results” he’d ever seen in his 15 years of testing. Certain vapes—artfully disguised as brightly colored highlighter pens—contained:

• Lead: 12 micrograms per gram, 2.4 times the stipulated safe exposure level
• Nickel: 9.6 times safe levels
• Chromium: 6.6 times safe levels

It’s logical to assume the metals stemmed from the heating element, but surprise, surprise! Tests revealed that they were, in fact, present in the e-liquid itself.

In addition to the harmful metals, the lab tests unveiled carbonyls—compounds that break down into formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both found in cigarette smoke. These were found at 10 times the level in legal vapes, with some vapes even surpassing cigarette levels.

Although manufacturers are required to follow regulations on ingredients, packaging, and marketing, and register all e-cigarettes and e-liquids with the Medicine and Health Care Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the agency doesn’t have the authority to verify claims or investigate unregistered products.

The Reaction

The reaction at Baxter College, where the vapes were initially confiscated, was one of horror. Students Leon and Oscar, who had their vapes seized, confessed they were hooked on nicotine and found quitting vaping challenging.

Ignoring The Risks

The boys admitted it was easy to overlook the dangers, with Oscar saying, “You won’t really care, if you’re addicted to it – you’ll just forget about it.” Leon, on the other hand, believes that regulation and policing should be stepping up their game.

The School’s Approach

Mat Carpenter, the Head teacher, was appalled by the findings and has since installed sensors in school toilets to curb vaping opportunities. He also insists that society needs to convey a dual message—vaping can be beneficial for those trying to quit smoking, but it’s not suitable for children.

The Scientific Standpoint

John Britton, an epidemiology professor at the University of Nottingham, emphasized that inhaling metals is dangerous. Lead impairs brain development, chrome and nickel are allergens, and metal particles in the bloodstream can trigger blood clotting and exacerbate cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the carbonyls, though mildly carcinogenic, can increase cancer risk over time.

Illegal vapes are on the rise, and distinguishing between the legal and illegal is becoming increasingly difficult. The government has earmarked £3m to curb the sale of these vapes, calling for evidence to help limit children’s access to these products. However, despite it being illegal to sell vapes to under-18s, there’s been an increase in experimental vaping among 11- to 17-year-olds.

A Call to Arms