For those who are interested, the free full-text "Inorganic Dust Pneumonias: The Metal-Related Parenchymal Disorders" can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1637664/
Melting Point of Cadmium
I received a few indignant emails and replies about the impossibility of reaching the melting point of cadmium (766.8°C) or cadmium oxide (1,559°C) while vaping in the range of 185°C to 250°C.
Right you are!
Aside from the "thermal event" that occurred while deconstructing a vape pen, no metal fumes or searing vapor are implicated here.
Metal particles can be shed, and inhaled during vaping without ever coming close to the melting/boiling point of the metal or alloy.
Typical vape device heating coils are made of nichrome, an alloy of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). The melting point of nichrome is 1,400°C. Vape coils rarely exceed 215°C. Nonetheless, nickel and chromium from the coil are shed into vape fluid, aeresolize in vape devices, and are inhaled by those using the device (Aherrera et al 2017). Exposure to nickel and chromium through vaping was not reported, however, to cause the illness now known as EVALI. That is consistent with what is known of inhalation exposure to nickel and chromium particles, and that is why I have never suggested nichrome wire is to blame for the illness (millions would have EVALI and that is not the case).
I appreciate the feedback. The best way to gain knowledge is to exchange knowledge. Fact-check me at will, and cite your sources. I'll continue to do the same.
Aherrera, A., Olmedo, P., Grau-Perez, M., Tanda, S., Goessler, W., Jarmul, S., . . . Navas-Acien, A. (2017). The association of e-cigarette use with exposure to nickel and chromium: A preliminary study of non-invasive biomarkers. Environ Res, 159, 313-320. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.014
Kelleher P, P. K., Newman LS. (2000). Inorganic dust pneumonias: the metal-related parenchymal disorders. Environ Health Perspect., 108, 685-696. doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.00108s4685
Melting Point of Cadmium
I received a few indignant emails and replies about the impossibility of reaching the melting point of cadmium (766.8°C) or cadmium oxide (1,559°C) while vaping in the range of 185°C to 250°C.
Right you are!
Aside from the "thermal event" that occurred while deconstructing a vape pen, no metal fumes or searing vapor are implicated here.
Metal particles can be shed, and inhaled during vaping without ever coming close to the melting/boiling point of the metal or alloy.
Typical vape device heating coils are made of nichrome, an alloy of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). The melting point of nichrome is 1,400°C. Vape coils rarely exceed 215°C. Nonetheless, nickel and chromium from the coil are shed into vape fluid, aeresolize in vape devices, and are inhaled by those using the device (Aherrera et al 2017). Exposure to nickel and chromium through vaping was not reported, however, to cause the illness now known as EVALI. That is consistent with what is known of inhalation exposure to nickel and chromium particles, and that is why I have never suggested nichrome wire is to blame for the illness (millions would have EVALI and that is not the case).
I appreciate the feedback. The best way to gain knowledge is to exchange knowledge. Fact-check me at will, and cite your sources. I'll continue to do the same.
Aherrera, A., Olmedo, P., Grau-Perez, M., Tanda, S., Goessler, W., Jarmul, S., . . . Navas-Acien, A. (2017). The association of e-cigarette use with exposure to nickel and chromium: A preliminary study of non-invasive biomarkers. Environ Res, 159, 313-320. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.014
Kelleher P, P. K., Newman LS. (2000). Inorganic dust pneumonias: the metal-related parenchymal disorders. Environ Health Perspect., 108, 685-696. doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.00108s4685