Procedural Challenges in the Analysis of Toxic Metals in Electronic Cannabinoid Delivery System Aerosols Produced for Vaping Cannabinoids.

Thomas R.; Rucker R.; Gray N.; Pappas R. · Journal of testing and evaluation · 2026

**Background & Methods** This is a review paper examining procedural challenges in collecting and analyzing toxic metals in aerosols produced by electronic cannabinoid delivery systems (vaping devices). The authors synthesize findings from various collection methods and analytical approaches developed over the past ten years to assess metal exposure from cannabis vaping systems. **Key Findings** • Metal concentrations in cannabis vaping aerosols exist in the microgram-per-gram (μg/g) range, requiring highly sensitive analytical methods with strict contamination control to produce reliable measurements of potentially harmful metal constituents. • Traditional sample trapping materials commonly used for organic constituent analysis are inappropriate for accurate metal analysis due to inherent metal contamination in these materials, necessitating development of specialized collection approaches. • Multiple technical barriers complicate aerosol collection methodology, including resistance to airflow that can prevent proper device activation and aerosol formation, and contamination from collection devices and ancillary materials used during sample preparation. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. The paper focuses on analytical methodology rather than direct health outcomes or adverse effects in users. **Evidence Quality** This review has significant limitations as a clinical evidence source. As a white paper reviewing selected approaches and methodological challenges rather than original empirical research, it provides limited direct evidence regarding metal exposure levels or health impacts from cannabis vaping. The paper addresses analytical chemistry challenges rather than clinical outcomes, making it primarily relevant to laboratory standards development rather than clinical practice. The work stems from ASTM D37.08 subcommittee initiatives, indicating its focus on standardization and methodology development. The review identifies both solved and unresolved technical problems without providing quantitative comparisons of different trapping methods or definitive recommendations for a "ideal high-throughput method." No human subjects, animal models, or quantitative exposure data from actual users are presented. This represents low-level evidence primarily useful for understanding analytical constraints rather than informing clinical decisions about cannabis vaping safety.

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