Electronic cigarettes, a study reveals the presence of health toxic substances. The pneumologist: “They can favor the inflammation of the airways and potential long -term damage”

The fortune of electronic cigarettes is due in part to the convictions that are not as harmful as the traditional ones and that therefore represent a good compromise between smoking those and not smoking at all.

Too bad that it would not be completely true. For some time we have asked ourselves about the real not danger Of these devices and now even science would seem to be at least hesitant.

According to a new study ofUniversity of CaliforniaIndeed, Use electronic cigarettes throwalso known as e-cig, they would contain important quantities of toxic metalseven higher than traditional cigarettes.

To get to this conclusion, the scientists engaged in the research, led by Brett Poulin and Mark Salazar, have made use of a special tool that activates the US electronic cigarettes, throws and warms their internal liquid. In doing so they produced between 500 and 1,500 shots each.

What emerged from the collected data is that most of the disposable e-cigs releases much higher quantities of metals and metalids in the vapor than rechargeable ones, and in some cases to traditional ones. In particular in the models examined antimony, nickel and lead They were present in a concentration higher than the limit thresholds for carcinogenic risk. A cigarette was even associated with lead levels present in 20 packages of traditional cigarettes.

It was also discovered that The levels of chromium, nickel and antimony went up with the increase in the number of shots.

The study was conducted on a limited number of devices and not on all existing types therefore It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions from it. However, it is a significant starting point, useful to start more serious reflections, especially for discourage their use among the very youngoften attracted also by the colors and fruity and delicious aromas of the various devices existing on the market.

To ask further clarity we asked some questions to Andrea Gramegna, pneumologist at the Ca ‘Granda Maggiore Policlinico in Milan Foundation and Associate Professor at the University of Milan.

Is it true that electronic cigarettes release heavy metals?
«Yes, several scientific studies, like this, have detected the presence of heavy metals in aerosols produced by electronic cigarettes, including lead, nickel, chromium and cadmium. These metals come mainly from the metal components of the device (such as resistance or welds) which, by heating, can contaminate the liquid and the inhaled aerosol.
It is likely that not all of them release the same amount of heavy metals, but at the moment our knowledge of this aspect is not yet adequately in -depth. The concentrations may vary significantly on the basis of many parameters, including the type and materials of the device, the frequency of use and its state of wear ».

How dangerous are these metals for health?
«Currently no clinical studies are not yet available that precision with the danger of electronic devices by inhalation. However, it is known that many heavy metals, if inhaled, can exercise toxic effects even at very low concentrations, causing irritative and inflammatory reactions, as well as potential carcinogenic effects ».

Is there a tolerability threshold or should they always be avoided?
«I would not talk about tolerability thresholds when referring to toxic substances, however taken for voluptuous purposes. There are limits of exposure to heavy metals on a daily or weekly basis, but these thresholds do not refer to direct and repeated inhalation, as happens with electronic cigarettes. An attitude of caution suggests that their use should always be avoided, with maximum attention to the most vulnerable subjects such as young people, pregnant women or people with chronic respiratory diseases ».

Is it better to smoke an electronic cigarette or a traditional cigarette?
«As a pneumologist, I can say that neither options is completely safe for respiratory health. Although electronic cigarettes do not produce tar or combustion products, the main causes of lung diseases in smokers, they can still release toxic substances and irritating compounds, promoting inflammation of the airways and potential long -term damage. Furthermore, when they contain nicotine, there is a real risk of developing dependence.
I think this is the most important message to transmit. For non -smokers, the recommendation is to avoid both products. Agreeing with a recent declaration of the European Respiration SocietyI do not believe that electronic cigarettes can represent a tool for reducing damage for those who cannot quit smoking. The main objective, also supported by the intervention of specialized centers for the cessation of smoke, should always be complete abstinence from smoking and any form of inhalation of harmful substances “.