Posts Tagged ‘Food And Drug Administration’

FDA Screening Of The E Cig

Monday, March 26th, 2012

The Food and Drug Administration, in accordance to its legal mandate has put into test eighteen (18) E Cig replacements.The cartridges were tested under two conditions which are both temperature controlled in order to identify the health risks associated with each condition used..

The first temperature controlled setting included the use of E Cig cartridges placed under the temperature between forty and sixty five degrees Centigrade.. The second test condition, on the other hand, exposed the cartridges at a temperature of two hundred eighty degrees Centigrade. . Low levels of impurities specific to tobacco and nitrosamines were detected from both cartridges based from the results presented by the FDA..

The E Cig report also adds that nicotine was found in the two products.. According to them, the Smoking Everywhere Electronic Cigarette cartridges which are being marketed to not contain nicotine actually have the chemical in very low amounts.. The products both showed very low levels of nitrosamines and impurities that are tobacco specific. . Moreover, the cartridge also showed high levels of DEG..

The contents of the E Cig cartridges used on the study were also reviewed by the FDA.. Chemicals identified are as follows:

•          Diethylene Glycol. One of the cartridges was identified to contain this chemical which is known to be hazardous when ingested by humans. . This substance is commonly associated with antifreeze but since their dosage level is low, they can cause no potential damage and can safely pass the system.;

•          Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines. Only trace elements were found in the E cig cartridge and the levels were consistent with those present in nicotine replacement aids. According to many researchers, tobacco nitrosamines in such low levels cannot cause cancer problems on users.;

Comparatively, the FDA found the following chemicals in regular tobacco cigarettes:

•          Average tobacco cigarettes were found to contain 300 to 1400 times nitrosamine level as compared to the cartridges of E Cig because of their burning of flavor, tobacco, impurities, and cigarette paper.;

•          Carcinogenic chemicals found only in regular cigarettes and not in E Cig cartridges include Arsenic, DDT, Nitrobenzene, Nickel, Lead, Cadmium and Polonium 21. Regular cigarettes have a total of 10,000 chemicals when burned.;

Despite of the fact that the testing procedure implemented on the E Cig cartridges have received criticisms, the very amount of carcinogens and chemicals from average cigarettes can still cause more negative effects on the health of the user. . This is the reason why electronic cigarettes are still considered as the better choice as compared to regular tobacco cigarettes. .

As can be seen, even the leading governmental agency has confirmed that regular cigarettes pose a greater health risk to users compared to the use of E Cig and its cartridges. Nitrosamine content was indeed detected on the cartridge of E Cigs but it is still way low as compared to the amount the users of regular cigarettes get from their every puff.. Both provide the nicotine desired when heated, the byproducts though are very different. Based from the FDA, amounts of ingested toxic carcinogens and harmful chemicals is almost nil as compared to regular tobacco cigarettes..

Several Reasons To Buy E-Cigarette Products

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

The hazards of tobacco smoke have been explained in the media and statements from scientists over the past 30 years and more. Many have made the choice to stop smoking tobacco but have found that is not so easy to stop. This is because substances like nicotine create an obsession that can lead to physical symptoms if the smoker stops breathing the substance. Lots of the parts of tobacco smoke are harmful compounds and more than four thousand such poisonous substances have been found in tobacco smoke.

Folks therefore are considering alternatives such a tobacco patches to ease the problems of giving up tobacco. Another option is to buy electronic cigarette products. The electronic cigarette is made of of a plastic cartridge containing a liquid reservoir and a battery. The e-liquid is turned into a vapor as a person inhales on a mouthpiece at one end of the cartridge and the vapour is drawn round the fuel reservoir into the mouthpiece. The plastic cartridge is approximately the same size and shape as a tobacco fag and the overalleneral experience of smoking an e-cigarette product is therefore close to smoking tobacco.

The liquid for the e-cigs can be procured in the shops and numerous flavours are available including strawberry, coffee and vanilla. Some of the flavors even aim at mimicking the flavour of well known brands of tobacco cigarettes. The liquid may also be bought with various levels of nicotine content so that the smoker can pick a low amount of nicotine or can continuously scale back the nicotine intake over a period of time. Buying e-cigarette products can thus lead straight to a sundry smoking experience and the opportunity to cope with the obsession with nicotine.

Some of us have recommended that smoking electronic cigarettes can be damaging to health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has investigated electronic cigarette products and some dangerous substances have been discovered in the smoke.

Compared with the thousands of perilous substances present in tobacco smoke the dangers of e-cigarettes are however way smaller. A decision to buy electronic cigarette products is so a technique of avoiding the numerous dangers present in tobacco smoke and can be considered to be as a safer alternative.

A couple of things to bear in mind when you look to buy electronic cigarettes is what style you want. The bigger it is the longer it will last between charges but the heavier it will be making it more awkward. Folks often like a smaller one to use while out in public as it is smaller and better to carry and then employ a larger model while hanging out around the house. Whatever you select, the electronic cigarette can help you get rid of those tobacco cigarettes for good.

The Problems Related To E Cigarettes

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

The creation of e cigarettes on the marketplace seems to have grabbed some by surprise regarding the quickness along with diversity of its recognition. The problem is that since there are so many of these things in the market right now, then you will find that there are things you might not like. Even this product in question has not been given a pass from the harsh questioning, and the following problems with the product have been brought up.

Health Concerns. As you may be aware, there are always many issues regarding the health hazards of a product. For e cigarettes, this is basically the use of propylene glycol on the liquids of the merchandise. Strangely enough, this compound has been known to be utilized to create the liquid of an electric cigarette and antifreeze. To be fair though, this chemical compound has been cleared for consumption by the food and drug administration of the United States even though it is used to create seemingly hazardous things. They have actually found some other hazardous and cancer causing things in the samples that they have been given, but many have questioned whatever decision they make since this product is not exactly consumed as it is not considered an edible substance.

Child Enticement. One more big problem that this product is dealing with right now is that many think that its usage could lead children to start using this product and move on to smoking in the long run. This idea has come as an argument against the promotional tags that say this product is a simple and safe substitute to cigarettes and that they do not have any unhealthy side effects that you would get from smoking. Many people are scared that this claim and the flavors you can get for this kind of cigarette will be attractive to kids, which they think are the actual target demographic of the merchandise. There is also the fact that there is no label that warn people of the health risks and any advice they have regarding the product, which will probably lead to many more problems in the future.

Tobacco Mafia. As there has been an impressive advancement in the numbers of electronic cigarette sales, many enterprises in the cigarette market have begun to take a good look at these goods. These companies are researching on the viability of the statement that says these cigarettes are healthier than normal cigarettes in every way. With a large power base and deep pockets, cigarette and tobacco companies are now waiting on how to help the electronic cigarette implode under its own weight. The fact that there are no long term researches that give you the conclusive effects of the electronic cigarettes like the kind of research that was used on the tobacco goods has to be fixed to make sure that the tobacco mafia will be kept away from the electronic cigarette industry to create a future for this market.

As can be observed, there are many problems that e cigarettes must concern on its own so that you can secure themselves as being a trustworthy and also secure merchandise on the market. The first issue is the health and safety concerns with the product itself, as it proves to be untested and undetermined as of the moment. The second one is its marketing position and target as it ruffles many feathers with the fear of future child endangerment with its current positioning. The last issue that the electronic cigarette is that their antagonists are giving a lot of effort in order to find a way to destroy their enterprise. Right until all three will be solved, it is definitely always be an uphill rise when it comes to e cigarettes.

The Problems Related To E Cigarettes

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

The creation of e cigarettes on the marketplace seems to have grabbed some by surprise regarding the quickness along with diversity of its recognition. The problem is that since there are so many of these things in the market right now, then you will find that there are things you might not like. Even this product in question has not been given a pass from the harsh questioning, and the following problems with the product have been brought up.

Health Concerns. As you may be aware, there are always many issues regarding the health hazards of a product. For e cigarettes, this is basically the use of propylene glycol on the liquids of the merchandise. Strangely enough, this compound has been known to be utilized to create the liquid of an electric cigarette and antifreeze. To be fair though, this chemical compound has been cleared for consumption by the food and drug administration of the United States even though it is used to create seemingly hazardous things. They have actually found some other hazardous and cancer causing things in the samples that they have been given, but many have questioned whatever decision they make since this product is not exactly consumed as it is not considered an edible substance.

Child Enticement. One more big problem that this product is dealing with right now is that many think that its usage could lead children to start using this product and move on to smoking in the long run. This idea has come as an argument against the promotional tags that say this product is a simple and safe substitute to cigarettes and that they do not have any unhealthy side effects that you would get from smoking. Many people are scared that this claim and the flavors you can get for this kind of cigarette will be attractive to kids, which they think are the actual target demographic of the merchandise. There is also the fact that there is no label that warn people of the health risks and any advice they have regarding the product, which will probably lead to many more problems in the future.

Tobacco Mafia. As there has been an impressive advancement in the numbers of electronic cigarette sales, many enterprises in the cigarette market have begun to take a good look at these goods. These companies are researching on the viability of the statement that says these cigarettes are healthier than normal cigarettes in every way. With a large power base and deep pockets, cigarette and tobacco companies are now waiting on how to help the electronic cigarette implode under its own weight. The fact that there are no long term researches that give you the conclusive effects of the electronic cigarettes like the kind of research that was used on the tobacco goods has to be fixed to make sure that the tobacco mafia will be kept away from the electronic cigarette industry to create a future for this market.

As can be observed, there are many problems that e cigarettes must concern on its own so that you can secure themselves as being a trustworthy and also secure merchandise on the market. The first issue is the health and safety concerns with the product itself, as it proves to be untested and undetermined as of the moment. The second one is its marketing position and target as it ruffles many feathers with the fear of future child endangerment with its current positioning. The last issue that the electronic cigarette is that their antagonists are giving a lot of effort in order to find a way to destroy their enterprise. Right until all three will be solved, it is definitely always be an uphill rise when it comes to e cigarettes.

What Is The Aim Of An Electronic Cigarette?

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

In 2006 the electronic cigarette (or vapor cigarette) started to be widely obtainable and now the market has matured such that there are a large number of consumers all over the world. The devices have been enhanced during that time so that they now look very akin to a real cigarette and are now straightforward to use.

What is an Electronic Cigarette?
This is a device comprising a “smoke” cartridge (originally refillable but now usually disposable) with an atomiser powered by a rechargeable battery. The user can hold and smoke the device just like a real cigarette creating a smoke like vapor. The end of the electronic cigarette even glows like a real one.

The cartridges are available in a number of “flavors” and it is up to the smoker if this includes nicotine and, if so, at what strength.

So an electronic cigarette can deliver nicotine to the user or it can be used without nicotine whilst still satisfying other facets of the smoking experience. Even when used with nicotine it does not emit any of the additional noxious ingredients found in regular cigarette smoke and the vapor emitted is harmless to those in the vicinity of the user.

What is the Electronic Cigarette designed for?

Is it:

  • as a quitting smoking aid where the level of nicotine can be gradually reduced
  • a healthier alternative to smoking normal cigarettes
  • a means of smoking without impacting others
  • a means of getting round no smoking regulations?

There has been a dispute concerning how electronic cigarettes are regulated and the FDA’s (US Food and Drug Administration) current position is that they will be regulated as “tobacco products”. The FDA also assert that the health benefits of electronic cigarettes has yet to be proved by proper medical research.

The consequence is that electronic cigarettes are not meant to be sold as healthy or as stop smoking aids. This does seem to undermine the whole point of them because you might suppose that these would be the main reasons people would buy them. However you will notice that the manufacturers trade on the following factors:

  • Price – The cost of electronic smoking is much less.
  • They are cleaner – No ash is produced and there is no butt to dispose of.
  • No Odor – They do not produce a tobacco odor on your breath or on your clothes.
  • No fire risk – There is nothing actually burning so you cannot start a fire with these devices.
  • No Passive smoking – The “smoke” that is produced is just water vapor so there is no impact on those around the smoker.
  • No restrictions – You are usually able to smoke an electronic cigarette where normal smoking is banned.

The future of this regulation with be interesting as companies would without doubt like to make health claims and will be seeking proof for this. In the meantime you can buy electronic cigarette starter packs from reputable companies and avoid the many low cost imported options now for sale.

The Problems Related To E Cigarettes

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

The creation of e cigarettes on the marketplace seems to have grabbed some by surprise regarding the quickness along with diversity of its recognition. The problem is that since there are so many of these things in the market right now, then you will find that there are things you might not like. Even this product in question has not been given a pass from the harsh questioning, and the following problems with the product have been brought up.

Health Concerns. As you may be aware, there are always many issues regarding the health hazards of a product. For e cigarettes, this is basically the use of propylene glycol on the liquids of the merchandise. Strangely enough, this compound has been known to be utilized to create the liquid of an electric cigarette and antifreeze. To be fair though, this chemical compound has been cleared for consumption by the food and drug administration of the United States even though it is used to create seemingly hazardous things. They have actually found some other hazardous and cancer causing things in the samples that they have been given, but many have questioned whatever decision they make since this product is not exactly consumed as it is not considered an edible substance.

Child Enticement. One more big problem that this product is dealing with right now is that many think that its usage could lead children to start using this product and move on to smoking in the long run. This idea has come as an argument against the promotional tags that say this product is a simple and safe substitute to cigarettes and that they do not have any unhealthy side effects that you would get from smoking. Many people are scared that this claim and the flavors you can get for this kind of cigarette will be attractive to kids, which they think are the actual target demographic of the merchandise. There is also the fact that there is no label that warn people of the health risks and any advice they have regarding the product, which will probably lead to many more problems in the future.

Tobacco Mafia. As there has been an impressive advancement in the numbers of electronic cigarette sales, many enterprises in the cigarette market have begun to take a good look at these goods. These companies are researching on the viability of the statement that says these cigarettes are healthier than normal cigarettes in every way.

With a large power base and deep pockets, cigarette and tobacco companies are now waiting on how to help the electronic cigarette implode under its own weight. The fact that there are no long term researches that give you the conclusive effects of the electronic cigarettes like the kind of research that was used on the tobacco goods has to be fixed to make sure that the tobacco mafia will be kept away from the electronic cigarette industry to create a future for this market.

As can be observed, there are many problems that e cigarettes must concern on its own so that you can secure themselves as being a trustworthy and also secure merchandise on the market. The first issue is the health and safety concerns with the product itself, as it proves to be untested and undetermined as of the moment. The second one is its marketing position and target as it ruffles many feathers with the fear of future child endangerment with its current positioning. The last issue that the electronic cigarette is that their antagonists are giving a lot of effort in order to find a way to destroy their enterprise. Right until all three will be solved, it is definitely always be an uphill rise when it comes to e cigarettes.

Would you like to know more about tobacco alternatives such as NICOCIG E Cigarettes, a less harmful and much more socially suitable way of getting the sensation of smoking? For more about the E Cigarettes and alternatives; please go to the Nicocig website.

Electronic Cigarettes: Answers To A Few Relevant Inquiries

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

If you are contemplating changing over to electronic cigarettes, then it is possible that you have got plenty of questions. E cigs are ultra-modern gadgets which dispense a sanitized kind of nicotine vapour to smokers, or in this case “vapers”. Following are some answers to several of the most typically asked questions in regards to e cigs.

Q. What is the difference between the price of e cigs and tobacco cigarettes?

A. Generally, there are ten cartridges in an e cig starter kit; this is equal to about ten packets of traditional cigarettes. E cig replacement cartridges can cost 75% less than tobacco cigarettes. Regular smokers that convert to e cigs can anticipate the starter kit to cover its own cost in about a month or under.

Q. In what places can e cigs be incorporated?

A. For the reason that e cigs are void of tobacco or flame, they are not under the regulations of the smoking ban. What this means is they can be incorporated in indoor or outdoor environments. Furthermore, you don’t have an issue with side-stream smoke because the vaper will be exhaling a non-detrimental vapour which will diminish in a matter of seconds.

Q. What substances are e cigs comprised of?

A. Even though the make-up can be different in various brands, most of the electronic cigarettes are comprised of glycerol, tobacco flavouring, propylene glycol, purified water, and nicotine. All the ingredients contained in e cigs are considered safe for human consumption by way of inhalation; but ingesting (swallowing) the liquid nicotine is likely to cause illness. So, don’t let kids or pets get hold of nicotine cartridges.

Q. Is it a fact that e cigs could have toxins?

A. E cigs are completely risk free. Though as of now, there are not any broad-scale clinical studies that have been executed in the UK, or US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did tests on many nicotine cartridges, and only one of them was verified as containing under 1 % contamination of diethylene glycol. Experts contend that this incident was likely an isolated one and the FDA believes the same. E cigs do not contain any toxins or poisons, and carry much less risk than smoking tobacco.

Q. How to e cig manufacturers make certain their product is safe?

A. Numerous e cig creators send independent testing labs samples of every single batch of nicotine to be tested analysed for pureness as well as any type of contaminating substances. It’s also possible for retailers to send random packages of cartridges in for the same type of tests. Furthermore, a lot of e cig cartridges are sealed with foil for the prevention of tampering or leaking. The packaging is also generally child proof.

Q. What is the life of a nicotine cartridge?

A. You will find varying claims on how long a nicotine cartridge lasts; it will vary in accordance with factors such as how frequently and how strongly the vaper breathes in. In general, though, a standard cartridge is equivalent to about 10 cigarettes. An extra capacity cartridge is also available which lasts as long as 15 cigarettes.

Integrating electronic cigarettes is a secure and cost-effective option as opposed to smoking tobacco.

Do you wish to learn about tobacco alternatives such as NICOCIG Electronic Cigarettes, a less damaging and much more socially appropriate way of getting the feeling of smoking? For further on the Electronic Cigarettes and options; please go to the Nicocig website.

The History Of The E-Cigarette

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

A patent acquired in 1963 by Herbert A. Gilbert was the first known document outlining the concept of the electronic cigarette. It described the invention as a smoke-less and non-tobacco cigarette, and a safe smoking method that substituted burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist and flavored air. However, the technology to actualize it was limited then. Added to it is the fact that at the time, tobacco was not yet generally considered harmful. Thus, the concept was never materialized.

In 2003, Hon Lik, a Chinese inventor, pharmacist and smoker, invented the modern version. He was employed by Golden Dragon Holdings, which developed the device and marketed the product the following year. The company altered its name to Ruyan, which means “like smoke” or “to resemble smoking.” By 2005, exportation of the electronic cigarette began, and in 2007 it received its first international patent.

In April of 2006, the electronic cigarette was introduced in Europe, and around 2006 to 2007, the United States was introduced to it.

In September 2008, U.N.’s World Health Organization (WHO) rejects the electronic cigarette’s claim to being a genuine smoking cessation aid. WHO further demanded the removal of labels which suggest that WHO considers e-cigarettes effective and safe.

In October 2008, Health New Zealand conducted a quantitative analysis for theose who buy electric cigarettes and concluded that they have safe levels of carcinogens and toxins. The product was deemed as a safe alternative to smoking. The research was funded by Ruyan.

Australia started banning the sale and possession of electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine in January 2009. It cited that “every form of except for replacement therapies and cigarettes are classified as a form of poison.”

In March of 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) added e-cigarettes to Import Alert 66-41. It directed the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) to stop the entry of e-cigarettes into the country. It subsequently blocked the entry of e-cigarettes imported by Smoking Everywhere, purporting that it is a drug delivery device that requires approval, registration and listing.

Canada also banned the sale, import and advertising of e-cigarettes that same month. Health Canada advised its citizens to stop purchasing and using e-cigarettes, as they supposedly contain propylene glycol, a known irritant.

In May 2009, Action on Smoking and Health or ASH files a petition to the USFDA calling for it to regulate e-cigarettes.

In April 2009, Smoking Everywhere, an importer and distributor of the electric cigarette, filed a complaint seeking an injunction against the USFDA with respect to its attempts to ban e-cigarette import. It contended that since electronic cigarettes are a tobacco product, the USFDA has no jurisdiction over it. It contended that e-cigarettes are not drugs, nor are they drug delivery systems or drug device combinations.

In May of that same year, NJOY, a competitor of Smoking Everywhere, joined in the lawsuit against USFDA. Within the same month, the Electronic Cigarette Association is formed.

In December 2010, the court ruled in favor of the e-cigarette industry. After an appeal is made by the USFDA, the U.S. Court of Appeals denied its appeal.

Electronic Cigarettes One, FDA Zero

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

In the most recent court ruling, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA has been forced to regulate the electronic cigarette as a tobacco product, and not as medical product. What are e-cigarettes, and why all the fuss about its classification as either a drug delivery device as against being a tobacco product?

The electronic cigarette is being marketed as a safe substitute for actual ones. It is shaped and looks like a real cigarette; it has a metallic tubing with a heating apparatus and a cartridge which contains a liquid with nicotine extracted from tobacco plants. A battery powers it, and when its user takes a puff, the nicotine liquid is turned into vapor. It even mimics the appearance of a real cigarette by having a glowing tip.

In 2008, two shipments by Smoking Everywhere Inc., an importer of e-cigarettes, were detained by the FDA because they were not approved by the agency. Later, the agency also barred the imports of some Chinese companies as well as those of twenty manufacturers which had more than thirty-five shipments. This resulted to a lawsuit filed by Smoking Everywhere, along with other importers and manufacturers, against the FDA. They asked the court to bar the agency from disallowing the entry of their imports and regulating them like drugs. The court sided with the importers and manufacturers.

In September 2010, the FDA issued a letter to companies distributing e-cigarettes that their imports were being illegally marketed, and are governed by rules that covered drugs. Another lawsuit was filed by these distributors, headed by Sottera, Inc., against the FDA. Again, the court sided against the FDA in a ruling made in December 2010.

Sottera Inc. is an e-cigarette distributor based in Scottsdale, Arizona. They distribute NJOY, a brand of e-cigarette. Sottera claimed that its product is not a drug, since it produces a nicotine vapor derived from tobacco. Therefore, it should be considered a tobacco product.

E-cigarette importers and manufacturers are pushing for their products to be labeled as tobacco and not as drugs or medical devices because the latter requires testing in animals and humans before they can be approved for release in the market. This entails costly laboratory studies and a lengthy approval process, which the manufacturers, importers and distributors are not willing to undergo.

The FDA previously classified e-cigarettes as devices for drug delivery, such as nicotine patches and gum. However, it did not appeal to the Supreme Court’s decision, and this has been considered a victory for the manufacturers and distributors of the e cigarette . However, the FDA says it will make sure that those who will market these products will refrain from labeling them as having therapeutic benefits, for which they shall have to be subsequently considered medical drugs or devices. One such therapeutic claim could be marketing e-cigarettes as devices which will help users quit their smoking habit.

With the current ruling by the Court of Appeals, therefore, e-cigarettes fall under FDA rules which regulate tobacco products. Electric cigarette are labeled as cigarette substitutes, and claim to be safer than conventional tobacco cigarettes.

The FDA’s decision not to pursue an appeal was proclaimed to the stakeholders and the public by a letter signed by Dr. Janet Woodcock, FDA Drug Evaluation and Research Director and Dr. Lawrence R. Deyton, FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director. The letter said that the FDA looks forward to working with the stakeholders in ensuring that the agency’s existing authority is harnessed to promote and protect the health of the public in the best possible way.

 

The Electronic Cigarette Controversy Explored In Full

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Since the invention of the e-cigarette in 2004, its popularity and availability across the globe has accelerated at a pace that far outstrips that of the various governments and regulatory bodies that usually deal with tobacco products. The meteoric rise of e-cigs poses its own problems, both for them and the tobacco companies that now find their markets threatened. This has manifested as a direct attack on the legality of e cigarettes, and various attempts to get them banned or treated as a prescription drug device.

The WHO

The World Health Organization has come out against electronic cigarettes, stating that they have not proved to be a valid nicotine replacement therapy and that they cannot confirm their safety for public use. Their opinion is that e-cig companies should immediately halt any suggestion that they can help people quit smoking.

That said, the WHO have asked e cigarette manufacturers to conduct the proper peer-reviewed clinical studies and toxicity analyses that would show that their products are safe and effective as a nicotine replacement therapy.

The FDA

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration initially sought to regulate e-cigarettes as a drug delivery device similar to nicotine gum and inhalers. This would have given the FDA the power to block all imports of e-cigarettes, and potentially destroy the business of e-cig manufacturers. Thankfully, the courts ruled that e-cigarettes are not intended to be used to stop smoking, and therefore they should be regulated as a tobacco product similar to any other cigarettes.

The FDA also conducted a study on the components of a number of e-cigarette products in 2009, which found that they contained “detectable levels of known carcinogens”. Outside observers noted that this study was flawed, because it did not state the actual level detected, it may not have been systematic or rigorous enough, and the method of detection used was at a far higher sensitivity than necessary. The FDA also failed to note that other nicotine products (again, such as inhalers or gum) are well known to contain the exact same carcinogens at levels that are not considered in any way dangerous – and that it has never conducted the same tests on them.

Concerns over Propylene Glycol

Opponents have raised concerns over the use of propylene glycol as part of the solution that is vaporized in e-cigarettes, stating that it is harmful to inhale and can cause problems in the lungs and stomach. This has not been confirmed, however, and the FDA considers propylene glycol to be a GRAS substance (Generally Recognized As Safe). It is used in cough syrup, eye drops and nasal sprays as well as e cigarettes.