An Australian study shows that electronic cigarettes can introduce toxic metals into lung tissue, raising questions about their safety as an alternative to smoking.

A recent study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) found that the use of electronic cigarettes, even in the short term, can lead to the accumulation of toxic metals in lung tissue, including lead, copper, and nickel. This pre-clinical research provides evidence that aerosols from electronic cigarettes contain chemical compounds associated with tin and mercury, which have greater bioavailability and biological reactivity than inorganic metals.

Specialist Dayanne Bordin emphasized that current safety assessments do not take into account emissions from device components, such as heating coils. In the context of increasing consumption of electronic cigarettes, especially among young people, scientists are calling for a review of vaping regulations and an update of public health recommendations.