Laboratory tests on vapes confiscated from school pupils have revealed high levels of lead, nickel, and chromium. The analysis, conducted by Inter Scientific in Liverpool, found that children using these devices could inhale more than twice the daily safe amount of lead and nine times the safe amount of nickel.
The 18 vapes tested, most of which were illegal and unregulated, also contained harmful chemicals known as carbonyls at levels ten times higher than legal vapes. These compounds break down into formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are also found in cigarette smoke. Some samples had even higher levels than cigarettes.
David Lawson, co-founder of Inter Scientific, said he had never seen lead in a device in 15 years of testing. He noted that the metals were found in the e-liquid itself, not just the heating element. The findings have alarmed health experts, with Professor John Britton of the University of Nottingham warning that lead is a neurotoxin that impairs brain development, while nickel and chromium are allergens that can trigger blood clotting.
Head teacher Mat Carpenter of Baxter College in Kidderminster, where the vapes were collected, expressed horror at the results. He has installed sensors in school toilets to curb vaping. Pupils Leon and Oscar, whose vapes were confiscated, admitted they were addicted to nicotine and struggled to quit. Leon called for stronger regulation and policing.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it would review the findings. However, the agency is not required to verify claims made in registration paperwork and has no power to investigate unregistered products. Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, urged parents to intervene if they suspect their child is using an illicit vape, describing the results as 'genuinely shocking'.
