Federal health officials said on Wednesday they have found cancer-causing ingredients in electronic cigarettes, despite manufacturers’ claims the products are safer than tobacco cigarettes.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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,” FDA Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein said.
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 Arizona.
The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the companies, had no immediate comment.
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 Jonathan Winickoff, chairman 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 promoted the products as a healthier alternative to smoking because there is no burning involved, and they do not contain the same hazardous cocktail of cancer-causing chemicals.
Regulators said they have halted 50 shipments of electronic cigarettes at ports and borders since last summer. The FDA said it is authorized to seize the products because, for legal purposes, they are a medical device used to deliver nicotine.
However, the FDA’s enforcement attempts have been challenged in federal court by manufacturers. The products are made primarily in China.
FDA officials would not comment about whether they would act against the two manufacturers whose products were tested.
The agency said it was “planning additional activities” to address safety issues with the products, which may include recalls or criminal sanctions.
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