Electronic Cigarettes Contain Toxic Ingredients

Posted on July 24, 2009 in Consumer Goods, Health & Medicine, Recent Studies, Technology

Electronic cigarettes contain carcinogens and an ingredient used in antifreeze, according to a new laboratory analysis conducted by the Food and Drug Administration. The newest trend in smoking was reportedly advertised by manufacturers as less harmful than tobacco cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes, or “e-cigarettes,” are battery-operated devices that vaporize nicotine and other chemicals for the user to inhale. Public health officials have expressed concern that e-cigarettes are marketed towards young people, with flavors available in chocolate and mint. Federal tobacco laws do not cover e-cigarettes, so children may be able to purchase them.

Federal health officials also said that processes used to manufacture e-cigarettes are inconsistent or nonexistent. Although many of the products claimed to contain no nicotine, low levels were actually detected. Out of the 19 varieties of cigarettes tested, half contained some form of the carcinogen nitrosamine.

The FDA has been examining and detaining shipments of e-cigarettes at the border, and have found that all the products examined fit the definition of a drug-device product, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Their enforcement attempts are being challenged in federal district court by manufacturers.