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Jul 24, 2009 05:35 PM | 45
Those who like to get their nicotine fix electronically will be disappointed to hear that a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report earlier this week found that electronic cigarettes, or "e-cigarettes," contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.
The draw of e-cigarettes is supposed to be their ability to let smokers regulate their nicotine intake (nicotine is sold in disposable cartridges containing differing amounts) while producing water vapor, as opposed to secondhand smoke. The smoker inhales doses of nicotine vaporized with the help of a solvent such as propylene glycol. E-cigarettes, which were all the rage at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, are battery-operated plastic tubes made to look like cigarettes (or in some cases cigars and pipes).
Concerned that e-cigarette products do not contain health warnings comparable to FDA-approved nicotine replacement products or conventional cigarettes, the agency has begun looking into how the products are being marketed. Besides finding traces of the toxic antifreeze component diethylene glycol, the FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis also discovered carcinogens such as nitrosamines in the samples it tested.
Put on the defensive by the FDA's seizure of e-cigarette shipments at U.S. borders, makers of these products have challenged in federal district court the agency's jurisdiction over this situation. In a May court filing, e-cigarette makers Sunrise, Fla.–based Smoking Everywhere, Inc., and Sottera, Inc., in Scottsdale, Ariz., (makers of the NJOY brand) sought a preliminary injunction against the FDA's seizures. The agency earlier this month responded with a document stating the confiscations should be allowed to continue because the e-cigarettes meet the definition of both a drug and device under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act signed into law last month.
Image of NJOY e-cigarette at CES 2009 © SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN/LARRY GREENEMEIER
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45 Comments
Add CommentThose who like to get their nicotine fix electronically will be disappointed to hear that a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report earlier this week found that electronic cigarettes, or "e-cigarettes," contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAnd normal cigarettes don't contain any chemicals that are harmful? I would really like to know if the FDA's findings were in any way backed by the Tobacco industry.
... U.S. Food and Drug Administration report earlier this week found that electronic cigarettes, or "e-cigarettes," contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAnd normal cigarettes don't contain any toxic substances? I would be interested in knowing if the FDA's findings were in any way backed by the tobacco industry?
Regarding the population problem, I see this as counterproductive. Who better to kill people than themselves?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisthe electric cigarette sounds great to me, still potentially deadly to eliminate stupid people but safe for the innocent people around them :)
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thishotblack and krabcat or should I say Gobbels and Himmler !
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWhat about your the ICE's of your cars and SUV's nothing deadly about those exhaulst fumes ? The radiation from your cell phones you use while driving your ICE machines ? The carcinogens in your colonges and perfumes ? Where was the FDA in WW1 when the US goverment was handing out tobaco products to the servicemen going overthere ? There is money good money to be made supplying the milatary with tools of trade!
Perhaps the FDA should seize cigarettes, too? I would think they qualify as both a device and a drug and they definitely contain harmful chemicals.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDon't even try to accuse the Obama administration of logic or being rational... they do what they want to do because they want to do what they do. How can that make sense?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHmmm. All this time I misunderstood that the government crackdown on smokers was related to the carcinogenic quality of the smoke. But now it sounds like they are actually targeting nicotine. I don't smoke but am totally confused by this.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHmmm. All this time I misunderstood that the government crackdown on smokers was related to the carcinogenic quality of the smoke. But now it sounds like they are actually targeting nicotine. I don't smoke but am totally confused by this.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI haven't heard anything about the tobacco industry being on the skids because of the economy- but this sure strikes me as protecting that industry,
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIt really would be a travest to start bailing out the tobacco business now wouldn't it!?
I fail to see how this "protects" the smoking industry, E-cigs aren't for quitting the habit or addiction, they just prolong it. And now the FDA's finding of whats in the vapor stands against what the budding company of the electronic cigarette claims. Why are people so gullible to believe that since its not smoke it's not harmful? Further analysis was needed and have the early results have been shown.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisJust more examples of your nannystate at work. It never was about the second-hand smoke. That was just the lie to get you to go along with letting the state control people. You didn't care because the people being controlled was "them" the ones you had been indoctrinated to think were inferior, both mentally and morally. Not quite human, you know, and so you felt perfectly comfortable sending them to their little designated areas and in regulating their lives.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIn many ways, the current strategy is much more clever than the old method used by tyrants. Instead of focusing on race, you can focus on behavior. That way, you can avoid being one of "them" simply by conforming your behavior to that approved by the state.
The evidence is becoming overwhelming that humans descended from lemmings.
What are you talking about? Humans -are- lemmings.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFact: The US Government limits the size of tobacco crops that tobacco farmers can raise and sell. Not as profitable as it once was, small tobacco farms are sold to the larger tobacco growers, now prices become more "fixed". The US Government taxes the hell out of cigarettes while claiming cigarettes aren't good for you...daahhhh.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFact: FDA is a US Government entity, financially backed by US Government. E-Cigs do not contain tobacco, US Government can't tax them so they send another long-arm in to muscle them - THE FDA.
Fact: What, something like over 400 chemicals found in tobacco used in cigarettes? Large tobacco companies hire DR's and Scientist to find additional chemicals to put in tobacco to "make it smoother" (to keep us addicted). E-Cigs contain a glycol, yes the same thing you find in anti-freeze but in a highly diluted state - very similiar to what you find in some food products but the FDA isn't going after them are they?
Final Fact: I am a smoker, have smoked for nearly 32 years and can't put it down...until last week when I bought an electronic cigarette starter pack and I have been smoke free for a week now, yes my crutch is this electronic cigarette but I've tried the patch, the pill(s), the gum and none have really reduced my craving like this.
Oh yeah, and I do not have to pay tax on these and that probably really pisses off someone in congress or the white house and that really puts a smile on my face as I take a puff on my "crutch"
Thank you: to the Chinese man that invented these a couple of years ago, I wish you excellent health and vast wealth and may our government never be able to touch either of those.
Has anyone looked up how harmful diethylene glycol is... If the focus was more on carcinogens, which are in every cigarette thats a different story...
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thiswhy don't they ban regular cigarettes? they are very harmful also.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWell now that the Obama admin is taking in tons of cash in the form of cigarette taxes, Im sure they have lots of interest in this.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI know, I know, they levied these taxes to get people to quit smoking (wink wink).
Maybe it will work for him too. :)
I would like to know, is this healthier than cigarettes or not? As far as I know, the "e-cigs" just stated that it's a healthier way to smoke, they didn't say it was good for you!!! I would prefer people to smoke this and there is no harm for me from secondary smoke.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDon't automatically assume something to be protecting a notorious industry just because some research shows that a slightly different product is dangerous. It's like when people shout racism when a pool club refused to allow a daycare center to swim because of the hazard of too many people in the pool w/ too few lifeguards. The daycare center happens to be composed of mostly minority children, but the other daycare center was not and it, too had its request turned down.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisShouldn't Scientific American be looking into the science behind the technology and the lack of science behind the FDA report? It is sad that politics and money could stop the sale of a device that replaces the biggest killer in the US.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisRead about the FDA report at http://www.e-cig.org
First of all, sampling 18 is hardly a "scientific study". But if you want to take it to that level, then the FDA findings support previous findings by the ecig companies that e-cigs are 1,400 times safer than smoking tobacco. I'll take my chances on the electronic cigs. I've not smoked tobacco in 10 weeks and am on the lowest level cartridge for the inLife e-cig. No more nasty cough, no more asthmatic wheeze and my doc couldn't be happier with my ekg. I'm all for serious scientific research, but honestly the FDA was shameful in thier attempt to sway the people and courts to their favor. Google Dr. Michael Siegel of Boston University and read his blog... I've read 4 other doctors reports who echo what he is saying. Thank Heavens we don't just believe everything the FDA tells us right off the bat.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAnd we're supposed to believe that the government gives a rat's behind about our health??? That's a hoot! If a few congressmen and women would just get together and decided to tax these devices as heavily as they have cigarettes.....they'd all be happy as clams
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAlthough that seems debatable, smoking appears to be legal in the public and those e-cigarettes are just one of the ways on how second-hand smoking will be reduced. Additionally, it's been tested to have below harmful levels than the traditional tobacco although addiction is really expected.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAlthough that seems debatable about the nicotine effect, smoking will always stay legal as people also are tolerated by the market. What should be considered then positively is how second-hand smoke are prevented through the e-cigarettes, unlike those of the traditional tobacco. Also, it has been already tested to have less harmful effects but it's true that moderation should always be present.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNicotine content is not much higher in the E-cigarettes and this is much better than the ordinary cigarettes.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://www.electroniccigarettereviews.org">cigarette vapor</a>
Nicotine content is not much higher in the E-cigarettes and this is much better than the ordinary cigarettes.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://www.electroniccigarettereviews.org">cigarette vapor</a>
Nicotine content is not much higher in the E-cigarettes and this is much better than the ordinary cigarettes.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://www.electroniccigarettereviews.org">cigarette vapor</a>
I doubt the fda is telling the truth. The gov. needs the tax on cigarettes. I don't see any other country making these claims. I do believe they should find a way to keep them out of childs hands. I have used them and after years of trying to quit for the 1st time I haven't had a cigarette in 2 weeks.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI don't know. We bail out your credit addiction and consumerism. why not bail out my drug addiction. at least what i do i keep to myself. Your consumerism is hell on earth.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI'm quite happy about the latest ruling. The battle is not over yet though. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my <a href="http://www.ecigexpress.com/shop/joye-510-c-13">Joye 510</a> e-cig.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOoop, that link didn't show up. The Joye 510 can be found, along with a lot of electronic cigarette info, at http://www.ecigexpress.com
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI think the biggest advantage of the e cigarette is definately that you dont bother other people with your smoke anymore. I often felt bad for "poisoning" other people with my smoke.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI wonder why the FDA is causing troubles with the e cigarette. Its a great tool for many smokers to slowly quit. Just reduce the dose nicotine once in a while until you reach zero.
Created my own small german blog about the e cigarette. Check it out here: <a href="http://die-e-zigarette.com/">Elektrische Zigarette</a>. Its not very popular here yet. Might be the only e smoker here in germany haha.
Thanks for your article.
I think the biggest advantage of the e cigarette is definately that you dont bother other people with your smoke anymore. I often felt bad for "poisoning" other people with my smoke.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI wonder why the FDA is causing troubles with the e cigarette. Its a great tool for many smokers to slowly quit. Just reduce the dose nicotine once in a while until you reach zero.
Created my own small german blog about the e cigarette. Check it out here: <a href="http://die-e-zigarette.com/">Elektrische Zigarette</a>. Its not very popular here yet. Might be the only e smoker here in germany haha.
Thanks for your article.
.., if you are going to compare the use of e-cigarette with the traditional, i think it is more advisable to use.... if this device is not for use so the us of cigarette should be review as well....
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href="http://www.electroniccigarettereviews.org">e-cigarette reviews</a>
Hi guys,
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI used the electronic cigarette, the last two months, now I can not even object to the place where people burn traditional cigarettes. And I think it is that people are freaking about e-Cigarettes, because they themselves do not have adequate information on it. What do they think that the FDA has insisted that is not healthy and should not be used, but in my opinion is that it is the best, is not healthy, in fact the healthiest alternative to smoking. I really do not understand why the FDA will make a request ... its something beyond my comprehension. Whatever it is, I am using J&J e-cigs and i am pretty happy with the product and use it as the scene is.
"Hi guys,
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI used the electronic cigarette, the last two months, now I can not even object to the place where people burn traditional cigarettes. And I think it is that people are freaking about e-Cigarettes, because they themselves do not have adequate information on it. What do they think that the FDA has insisted that is not healthy and should not be used, but in my opinion is that it is the best, is not healthy, in fact the healthiest alternative to smoking. I really do not understand why the FDA will make a request ... its something beyond my comprehension. Whatever it is, I am using J&J e-cigs and i am pretty happy with the product and use it as the scene is.
"
Can E-cigs be any worse for the smoker than cigarettes? At least we are not poisoning the people around us with second hand smoke or stinking up places and ourselves! I am using an e-cig to help me quit!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisElectronic cigarettes do not involve tobacco, you can legally smoke them anywhere that traditional cigarettes are prohibited such as bars, restaurants, the work place, even on airplanes. Furthermore, electronic cigarettes allow you to smoke with no fears of inflicting harm on others due to nasty second hand smoke.<a href="http://thesmokelesscigarettes.us">smokeless cigarettes</a> are technically a smoking alternative rather than a smoking cessation device, the range of nicotine strengths offers some obvious potential as an aid in the ones attempts to quit smoking and seems to be proving popular within that market.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisA great electronic cigarette composed of any rechargeable battery power, the atomizer and a replaceable pure nicotine tube. Anyone simply draws on the e-cigarette because they commonly could the cigarette and encounter will be as close up as possible with out basically as being cigarette. Since <a href="http://www.electric-cigarette.biz">Best Electric cigarette</a> will not have tobacco, they cannot become banned anywhere in US in which prohibitions normal cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes make it possible for any sensible individual over 20 to get smoking resolve within spots where by cigarette smoking cigarettes isn't sanctioned.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNow you can quit smoking with <a href="http://www.electric-cigarette.biz">Best Electric cigarette</a> and save money yourself some money.
I would like to see more research on this. I was a smoker for 13 years and after having kids it really changed my perspective I wanted to see them grow old. Personally that was my reason to quit so I tried every method and came across <a href="http://www.thesafecig.com/">E Cigarette</a>. I think the E-Cigarette worked for me because it simulates real cigarettes. Everyone has their own reasons and methods but I definitely recommend it for anyone really serious about quitting.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAs far as I am concerned, the electronic cigarette has to be a lot healthier than the normal cigarette. Plus, it makes sure that non-smokers are more happy about people smoking around them as there is no dangerous second-hand smoke. People are going to smoke regardless so at least give them the opportunity to smoke a little healthier than before!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thiselectronic cigarettes are much better then the tobacco based products smokeless cigarettes are the thing of the future in my opinion they are better for you health wise by a wide margin. http://www.ecigaretteit.com
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisInstead of totally extinguishing the
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this<a href=http://www.ecig99.com>electronic cigarettes</a> FDA can impose certain restrictions on it in the view of passive smokers since they totally can't abstain their habits in a single day.
<a href=http://www.ecig99.com>electronic cigarettes</a>
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI dissgree with FDA. They must banned cigarette first,why they banned only e cigarette which is the healtheir alternative.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI use jasper and jasper e-cig and I am quite satisfied with the product. E-cigs are the best alternative of conventional cigarettes. It gives you the desired effect of smoking real cigs without any involvement of risk such as cancers, lungs problems, heart attacks, respiratory problems.
Not only has it improved quality of your health in fact you don’t have to worry about the people around you because they don’t get bothered as all what released are vapors. Secondly you can smoke anywhere in pubs, restaurants, in office or at homes.
If it’s really getting harder for you to quit smoking, go for jasper and jasper e-cigs.