Date of Publication
12-5-2025
Document Type
Bachelor's Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Subject Categories
Biochemistry
College
College of Science
Department/Unit
Chemistry
Thesis Advisor
Mariafe N. Calingacion
Joan Candice V. Ondevilla
Defense Panel Member
Raymond S. Malabed
Aldrin P. Bonto
Abstract/Summary
The increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use, particularly among Filipino youth, raises significant public health concerns regarding potential exposure to heavy metals from closed-system devices. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the presence of heavy metals in e-cigarette aerosol and assess the associated inhalation risks. Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), the research detected six heavy metals elements—chromium , copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and lead—in e-cigarette aerosol, with cadmium found to be undetectable. The inhalation exposure assessment revealed that certain metal concentrations exceeded the Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), raising critical safety concerns for consumers. Additionally, the inhalation cancer risk assessment highlighted significant risks associated with prolonged exposure to chromium and nickel, emphasizing the potential long-term health implications of using closed-system e-cigarettes. The study confirmed that toxic metals leach from the heating elements of e-cigarettes, with significant levels of chromium, nickel, and lead detected in the aerosol. Given these preliminary findings, future research is strongly encouraged to expand the analysis to include additional toxic metals such as arsenic, as well as the incorporation of a larger sample size with multiple brands and flavors. Future researchers are also encouraged to establish a Limit of Detection and Quantification for data reliability, standardization of puffing simulations. and employing speciation analysis.
Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Electronic
Keywords
Electronic cigarettes; Heavy metals; Youth--Philippines; Inductively coupled plasma spectrometry
Recommended Citation
Janairo, L. N., & Pesigan, Y. C. (2025). Multi elemental analysis and risk assessment of E-cigarette vapor using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_chem/53
Upload Full Text
wf_yes
Embargo Period
12-14-2025
