Washington, July 23: 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 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,” 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 Arizona. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the companies, had no immediate comment.
—Agencies