Tests found toxic chemicals in suck-flavored e-cigarettes that contained arsenic, formaldehyde and lead

An analysis of the “lolly”-flavored e-cigarettes popular with schoolchildren found that they all contained an alarmingly toxic cocktail of chemicals and nicotine.

Laboratory testing of the e-cigarettes sold across Queensland was ordered by Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk after she raised concerns about the availability of the flavored e-cigarettes.

The results showed that these e-cigarettes contained harmful chemicals such as arsenic, formaldehyde and lead.

A state government report on e-cigarettes found users inhaling heavy metals like zinc, as well as high levels of nicotine.

Under current law, e-cigarettes containing nicotine can only be sold in pharmacies to prescription holders. However, the e-cigarettes tested showed that store-bought e-cigarettes contained up to 47,000 milligrams per kilogram.

This means that a 5ml vaporizer can contain the nicotine content of six packs of cigarettes.

Laboratory tests have found that candy-flavored e-cigarettes, which are preferred by schoolchildren across the country, contain harmful chemicals such as arsenic, zinc, lead, formaldehyde and high levels of nicotine (stock image).

Laboratory testing of e-cigarettes sold across Queensland found that all 17 samples contained five to 15 heavy metals and organic compounds typically used to make paints and pharmaceuticals (Gunnpod Meta Grape Ice was one of the e-cigarettes tested).

Of the 17 samples tested, all five to 15 contained heavy metals and organic compounds typically used to make paints and pharmaceuticals.

A number of these heavy metals are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive and developmental, and even to cause neurological abnormalities.

These vapes had visibly innocuous packaging and labels like IGET Bar Strawberry Watermelon Ice and Waka Smash Apple Surge.

The report also found that all e-cigarettes contained two carbonyl compounds, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are known to irritate lung tissue.

“Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and acetaldehyde is classified as a possible human carcinogen,” the report said.

Other toxic heavy metals found in the e-cigarettes were lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, antimony, aluminum, iron, barium, manganese, copper and vanadium

Other toxic heavy metals found included lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, antimony, aluminium, iron, barium, manganese, copper and vanadium.

Ms Palaszczuk said the results were “amazing”.

“There are people who might think vaping is safer than smoking or even harmless,” she said.

“These test results should make these people think differently.”