Ultrasonic Cigarettes: The New Silent Threat to Lung Health

In the search for “safer” alternatives to traditional smoking, ultrasonic cigarettes—or u-cigarettes—have emerged as a technological innovation promising reduced risks compared to conventional vaping. Unlike traditional e-cigarettes that use heated coils to vaporize liquids, ultrasonic models use a high-frequency vibrating chip to aerosolize liquids without generating heat.

However, a recent study from the University of California, Riverside, has raised serious concerns about their safety. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the research analyzed both liquids and aerosols from ultrasonic devices and found significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals than in fourth-generation electronic cigarettes.

Among the detected metals were silicon, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, and selenium. Especially alarming were the high levels of arsenic and selenium, both recognized by the FDA as harmful and potentially hazardous. Inhalation of these metals is linked to serious health risks, including cancer, neurotoxicity, and respiratory diseases like silicosis. 

Professor Prue Talbot, lead author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for regulations. “Our study highlights the urgent need to limit arsenic and selenium levels in these products,” she said. 

In addition to chemical hazards, the lack of regulation in many countries has made it easier for minors to access these devices. According to the World Health Organization, 88 countries lack a legal minimum age to purchase them, and 74 have no specific regulations governing their use. The marketing of these devices—often through animated characters and over 16,000 flavor options—further increases their appeal to youth. 

In conclusion, while ultrasonic cigarettes are promoted as innovative alternatives to traditional vaping, current scientific evidence suggests they may pose equal or even greater health risks. Health authorities and consumers alike must stay informed, and strong regulations are essential to protect public health.