Heavy Metal Testing, how stringent these tests are compared to other industries?
It has long been known that vape cartridges contain at least some levels of heavy metals, including lead. As the parts for a vape are very small and must be very precise, some heavy metals such as lead are used to make the pieces more malleable and easier to manufacture. While most people have assumed that only trace amounts of lead are found in vapes, a recent report showed that some vape products contain up to 2 parts per million of lead. This is certainly alarming, as you are directly inhaling the contents from the vape when you take a hit.
California’s new regulation on lead levels in vapes
In response to the dangerous levels of lead found in vapes, California recently passed new legislation that require all vape products to contain under .5 parts per million. Subsequently, the vape world was shocked when one of the industry leaders in vape cartridges, CCELL, reportedly failed to pass these regulations.
In case you aren’t aware, exposure to high levels of lead can be very dangerous. Exposure to lead can cause a wide range of diseases, including anemia, impaired nervous system, kidney failure, and even brain damage. Thus, it is very important that all industries have some sort standard that limits the amount of lead that can be in the product.
Lead level regulations by industry
Vape: As mentioned above, the new standard for lead content in vapes is .5 parts per million (ppm) for California. Other states have levels that are a bit higher. For example, in Washington the limit for lead is 1.2 ppm.
Candy: Since lead exposure is particularly dangerous to kids, the FDA has taken a strict stance on products that are frequently exposed or consumed by kids. The limit for lead in candy is currently .1 ppm.
Juice: Like candy, juice has strict laws restricting the amount of lead that it can contain since it is often consumed by children. The maximum amount of lead that is allowed in juice is 0.5 ppm.
Soil: Most people know that soil typically has high levels of lead. Although we do not directly consume soil, our plants do grow in it and we do play around in soil. The EPA has thus set the maximum level of lead allowed in soil to 400 ppm.
Tableware: Ceramic cups and plates that are made from pottery also contain traces of lead. The standard for tableware is 2ppm.
Water: Lead level in water have long been a controversial topic. In Flint Michigan, it was found that some tap water contained more than two times the amount of lead that is considered hazardous. Although many people want to see the lead level in tap water reach 0, it is nearly impossible since tap water has to travel through metal pipes. The maximum level of lead that is allowed in tap water is .015 ppm. However, the regulation for bottled water is stricter. Bottled water must not contain more than .005 ppm.
Many household items contain dangerous chemicals or bacteria. For example, fish tanks can make you sick because they can contain salmonella so all of these regulations are important and protect your health.