UC Davis study: Disposable vapes may be more toxic than cigarettes Disposable vapes contain 'more toxic metals than 19 cigarette packs' Secondhand aerosol, sometimes referred to as vapor or vape", emitted by electronic cigarettes exposes bystanders to harmful elements such as nicotine, heavy metals, ultra fine particulates, volatile organic compounds, and other toxicants. A Your Vape Pen Might Be Full of Lead What You Should Know about E Cigarettes & Vaping American Lung Association