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What Hidden Dangers Are in Vapes?

Key Points:

  • E-cigarettes and vapes contain potentially poisonous chemicals.

  • Vaping may be an easy or unintentional means to consume other drugs.


What hidden dangers are in vapes? There may be more than just nicotine or marijuana in an e-cigarette or vape device. The e-liquid itself may be a source of toxic chemicals and metals, with even more chemicals forming once heated into an inhalable aerosol. In addition, some vaping devices could potentially contain other unknown, harmful and deadly drugs.



A Cornucopia of Chemicals

Researchers tested vape samples in one study using a chemical fingerprinting technique. For consistency, they tested only tobacco-flavored liquids sold by four brands. They found nearly 2,000 chemicals, the vast majority of which were unidentified. Of those that could be identified, six substances were potentially harmful and included:

Graphic of someone vaping smoke

  • Caffeine: A central nervous stimulant – an unexpected finding as the samples tested were not caffeine-based flavors like coffee or chocolate

  • Isophorone: Helps to dissolve chemicals like printing inks, paints, lacquers and adhesives

  • Tributyl O-acetylcitrate: A substance added to help make a material softer and more flexible

  • Tributylphosphine oxide: Acts as a flame retardant (something that prevents or slows flames in the event of fire)

  • Triethyl citrate:  A food additive used as an emulsifier and stabilizer but, when found in higher concentrations, is linked to respiratory irritation

  • Vanillin: A popular flavor enhancer but, when found in higher concentrations, can cause respiratory irritation

In addition, the American Lung Association lists on its website the following substances as potentially present and concerning:

  • Acrolein: A chemical in weed killer linked to irreversible lung damage

  • Benzene: A volatile compound or gas found in car exhaust

  • Cadmium: A toxic metal linked to breathing problems and illness

  • Carcinogens: Cancer-causing substances, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde

  • Diacetyl: A flavoring chemical linked to a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans (otherwise referred to as “popcorn lung”) when inhaled

  • Diethylene glycol: A substance used in antifreeze linked to lung disease

  • Heavy metals: Such as tin, nickel and lead

  • Propylene glycol: A food additive also used in antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke in fog machines


Other Concerning Substances


Typically, when referring to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, delta-9 THC is the prevalent and more potent form. Due to a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill regarding hemp production, another form called delta-8 THC has emerged and made its way into some vape cartridges. The appeal of delta-8 THC is reportedly milder psychoactive effects like less paranoia and anxiety while still providing relaxation and pain relief.


Many vapes in. apile

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC products. Plus, the natural amount of delta-8 THC in hemp is very low, and additional chemicals are needed in its creation. Due to the lack of regulation, some manufacturers may use potentially unsafe household chemicals to make delta-8 THC. In one study, heavy metals such as lead and mercury were found in the tested samples.

There’s also the risk that some vapes, especially if bought illegally, could be laced with heroin or fentanyl. Various news headlines and reports, with alarming and tragic results, confirm this possibility.


The Bottom Line


The many substances found in e-cigarettes and vape devices are likely to have negative health impacts and, therefore, are not likely to be better alternatives to regular cigarettes.

By The Zeptive Team

References:

  1. Mina W. Tehrani, Matthew N. Newmeyer, Ana M. Rule, and Carsten Prasse. Characterizing the Chemical Landscape in Commercial E-Cigarette Liquids and Aerosols by Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Chemical Research in Toxicology  2021 34 (10), 2216-2226. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00253

  2. American Lung Association. What’s in an E-Cigarette? (2025, April 8). American Lung Association. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/whats-in-an-e-cigarette

  3. Meehan-Atrash J, Rahman I. Novel Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Vaporizers Contain Unlabeled Adulterants, Unintended Byproducts of Chemical Synthesis, and Heavy Metals. Chem Res Toxicol. 2022 Jan 17;35(1):73-76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8898185/

 
 
 

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