FDA scientists said they tested 19 varieties of cigarettes, half of which contained forms of nitrosamine, a carcinogen known to cause cancer in humans.
WASHINGTON - FEDERAL health officials said on Wednesday they have found cancer-causing ingredients in electronic cigarettes, despite manufacturers' claims the products, primarily made in China, 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 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 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 Scottsdale, Arizona. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the companies, had no immediate comment on Wednesday.
Public health advocates have complained 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, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Tobacco Consortium.
Because electronic cigarettes are not covered by federal tobacco laws, they are also often easier for young people to buy.
Electronic cigarettes produce a nicotine mist absorbed directly into the lungs. Most can easily pass as a tobacco cigarette with slim white bodies and glowing amber tips. They even emit what look like puffs of white smoke.
Manufacturers have touted the products as a healthier alternative to smoking because there is no burning involved, and they don't contain the same hazardous cocktail of cancer-causing chemicals. -- AP
WASHINGTON - FEDERAL health officials said on Wednesday they have found cancer-causing ingredients in electronic cigarettes, despite manufacturers' claims the products, primarily made in China, 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 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 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 Scottsdale, Arizona. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the companies, had no immediate comment on Wednesday.
Public health advocates have complained 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, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Tobacco Consortium.
Because electronic cigarettes are not covered by federal tobacco laws, they are also often easier for young people to buy.
Electronic cigarettes produce a nicotine mist absorbed directly into the lungs. Most can easily pass as a tobacco cigarette with slim white bodies and glowing amber tips. They even emit what look like puffs of white smoke.
Manufacturers have touted the products as a healthier alternative to smoking because there is no burning involved, and they don't contain the same hazardous cocktail of cancer-causing chemicals. -- AP
