Electronic Cigarettes
Electronic (or e-) cigarettes are devices that claim to contain no tobacco or stem material, but are designed to look like conventional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. They produce a mist or vapor upon each inhalation by the user that resembles and tastes like the smoke produced by conventional tobacco products. E-cigarettes are intended to be manipulated and used (inhaled) in ways similar to how a smoker manipulates and uses conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Electronic cigarettes are not an evidence-based, safe or effective method for treating nicotine addiction. Smokers wanting to quit should contact a health care provider for assistance and call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for evidence-based advice.
A full fact sheet is available on electronic cigarettes.
FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today (July 22, 2009) announced that a laboratory analysis of electronic cigarette samples has found that they contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.
"The FDA is concerned about the safety of these products and how they are marketed to the public," said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., commissioner of food and drugs.
Read the full news release from the FDA.
Concerns Voiced by the Public Health Experts About Electronic Cigarettes
For a complete list of concerns expressed to the Food and Drug Administration regarding electronic cigarettes by public health experts and organizations, click here