Advertisement

Little known of e-cigarettes vapors

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- E-cigarettes are potentially harmful and U.S. researchers urge regulators to consider removing e-cigarettes from the market until they are adequately evaluated.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, examined five e-cigarette brands and found design flaws, lack of adequate labeling, and several concerns about quality control and health issues.

Advertisement

Unlike conventional cigarettes, which burn tobacco, e-cigarettes vaporize nicotine, along with other compounds present in the cartridge, in the form of aerosol created by heating, but do not produce the thousands of chemicals and toxicants created by tobacco combustion. However, little is known about the toxicity of the vapors generated by these "electronic nicotine delivery systems," the researchers say.

"There are virtually no scientific studies on e-cigarettes and their safety," Prue Talbot, the director of UC Riverside's Stem Cell Center, whose lab led the research, says in a statement. "Our study shows that this product has many flaws, which could cause serious public health problems in the future if the flaws go uncorrected."

The study, published in Tobacco Control, finds batteries, atomizers, cartridges, cartridge wrappers, packs and instruction manuals lack important information regarding e-cigarette content, use and essential warnings.

Advertisement

In addition, the e-cigarette cartridges could leak nicotine, an addictive dangerous to children, adults, pets and the environment and there are no methods for proper disposal of e-cigarettes products and accessories, the study says.

Latest Headlines