Study finds presence of diethylene glycol and nitrosamines in e-cigarettes

Aug 25 2009

A recent laboratory study performed at the request of the Food and Drug Administration revealed ingredients in e-cigarettes that skeptics suspected all along. The minuscule presence of diethylene glycol, an ingredient that is found in antifreeze and certain levels of nitrosamines, were found in some cartridges.

Concern over the safety of these products is at a peak and the opposition questions the effects of the product on people's health as well as the theory that the different flavored cartridges will attract children.

"When I think of the type of person that would use an e-cigarette, I think of a person who wants a good alternative to real cigarettes, not a child or a non-smoker," says Juliet Herstrom, a supporter of e-cigarettes. "It's not labeled as a cessation device, but they can't control what people try to use it for."

The e-cigarette is neither a cessation device nor has it been classified by the FDA as of this time.

"It matters, of course, that there is the presence of this chemical in e-cigarettes," continues Herstrom. "But given the choice between the two, the smarter choice for a smoker is the e-cigarette. Hands down."

Another supporter of e-cigarettes, Michael Norton, sounds off. "It's ridiculous. It really is. They find a single chemical in the e-liquid and suddenly e-cigarettes are dangerous. How about the fact that tobacco cigarettes contain this same chemical and thousands of others at higher concentrations? How come those nicotine patches and inhalers are allowed to be sold? Why is there all of this concern when there are already products that deliver nicotine?"

Jennifer Corcoran, a supporter and user of e-cigarettes, declares that "there will be war in the courtroom if any law is passed that prohibits the sale of these devices." She, among others, believes that the e-cigarette could truly help smokers stop smoking. "I'm on month 3, and I haven't smoked a cigarette since I turned to the e-cigarette. If these are banned, the FDA will have hell to pay!"

Amidst the controversy, the e-cigarette, a product that could very well revolutionize the smoking industry, has collected the loyalty of its supporters.