In the last decade, e-cigarettes have been marketed as a less harmful alternative to classical tobacco
; smoking and are currently being used by millions of people. An e-cigarette consists of an e-liquid and
; a heating device, generating an aerosol that the user can inhale. Recently, several studies have shown
; that metals and metalloids, including As, Cd, and Pb, known carcinogens, were present in these aerosols.
; To ensure the accuracy of dose-toxicity estimations, it is essential to have access to reliable and
; reproducible methods for estimating the dose in question. Although more standardization
; methodologies were introduced in the analysis of metal(loid)s from aerosols, a huge divergence in
; sample preparation can be found in the literature. This work aimed to provide an overview of the sample
; preparation methods used to quantify these metal(loid)s. Therefore, a literature search was conducted in
; September 2024, that followed the PRISMA guidelines. Among the 48 articles selected, a wide variability
; in sample preparation was observed, specifically variations in aerosol generation characteristics and
; collection techniques. Despite the widespread use of methods as filters and impingers, many studies
; failed to validate critical steps such as aerosol recovery, blank corrections, and the extent of matrix
; effects. In addition, poor inorganic methodological practices were often applied, such as excessive use
; of glass materials for aerosol collection or other sample preparation steps. Therefore, further
; standardization of methodologies is urgently needed to improve the reliability of metal quantification in
; e-cigarette aerosols, which could potentially enhance regulatory frameworks and facilitate the routine
; analysis of e-cigarette emissions.