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Electronic cigarettes contain 'toxic items'
Source: Agencies |
July 24, 2009, Friday
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Print Edition
UNITED States federal health officials said on Wednesday that they have found cancer-causing ingredients in electronic cigarettes, despite manufacturers' claims the products are safer than tobacco cigarettes.
The Food and Drug Administration said testing of products from two leading electronic cigarette makers turned up several toxic chemicals, including a key ingredient in automotive antifreeze.
"Little is known about these products, including how much nicotine is there and what other chemicals may be there," said FDA's Deputy Commissioner Dr Joshua Sharfstein.
FDA scientists said they tested 19 varieties of cigarettes, half of which contained forms of nitrosamine, a carcinogen known to cause cancer in humans. Many products which claimed to contain no nicotine actually had low levels of the stimulant.
Agency officials also said the "quality control processes used to manufacture these products are inconsistent or nonexistent."
Brands tested by the agency included Smoking Everywhere, marketed by a Florida-based company, and NJoy Cigarettes, based in Arizona. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the companies, had no comment.
Public health advocates have complained that the products are aimed at young people and can serve as a "gateway" to tobacco smoking. Many come in flavors, including chocolate, bubblegum and mint.
"Tobacco industry research has demonstrated that fruit and candy flavors increase the social acceptance of cigarettes and curiosity to try the product," said Dr Jonathan Winickoff, chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Tobacco Consortium.
Manufacturers have promoted the products as a healthier alternative to smoking.
Because electronic cigarettes are not covered by federal tobacco laws, they are also often easier for young people to get.
The Food and Drug Administration said testing of products from two leading electronic cigarette makers turned up several toxic chemicals, including a key ingredient in automotive antifreeze.
"Little is known about these products, including how much nicotine is there and what other chemicals may be there," said FDA's Deputy Commissioner Dr Joshua Sharfstein.
FDA scientists said they tested 19 varieties of cigarettes, half of which contained forms of nitrosamine, a carcinogen known to cause cancer in humans. Many products which claimed to contain no nicotine actually had low levels of the stimulant.
Agency officials also said the "quality control processes used to manufacture these products are inconsistent or nonexistent."
Brands tested by the agency included Smoking Everywhere, marketed by a Florida-based company, and NJoy Cigarettes, based in Arizona. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the companies, had no comment.
Public health advocates have complained that the products are aimed at young people and can serve as a "gateway" to tobacco smoking. Many come in flavors, including chocolate, bubblegum and mint.
"Tobacco industry research has demonstrated that fruit and candy flavors increase the social acceptance of cigarettes and curiosity to try the product," said Dr Jonathan Winickoff, chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Tobacco Consortium.
Manufacturers have promoted the products as a healthier alternative to smoking.
Because electronic cigarettes are not covered by federal tobacco laws, they are also often easier for young people to get.
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