What is metals analysis and why is it required for e-cigarettes?
Sep 29, 2020

As e-cigarettes use a metal coil to heat the e-liquids used to generate an aerosol , there is a chance that metal could be transferred from the coil to the aerosol, creating a potential risk for metal poisoning. As a result of this, metals analysis must be carried out for e-cigarettes.

Which metals do you need to test for?

Metals analysis tests the aerosol of an e-cigarette device for the following metals:

  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Iron
  • Lead
  • Chromium
  • Nickel

These metals in particular are tested because ingestion of them could cause injury or illness to your customer.

What is the process of metals analysis?

Metals analysis is conducted by collecting a sample of e-liquids which have not come into contact with the device, a sample of the aerosol emitted from the e-cigarette device, and a sample of the e-liquid left in the tank after creating an aerosol, to assess whether any metals appear in the liquid or aerosol after having contact with the device.

We will then analyse the types and amounts of any metals in the aerosol or e-liquid in order to assess whether the amount could potentially be dangerous to users’ health, as well as checking for consistency.

How are metals analysis results reported?

Metals analysis is usually carried out as part of a bigger regulation compliance activity such as a Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) notification to sell ENDS products within the EU. Therefore, the results of your metals analysis will be reported and submitted along with your notification to the European Commission.
If you need metals analysis to be conducted for your products, we can help. Our laboratory offers full metals testing and analysis for e-cigarettes and other ENDS products on either a standalone basis or as part of a wider regulatory process such as a TPD notification or PMTA. Click here to learn how we can help.

Found this insightful? Share it:

Share by: