Study: E-cigarettes contain 10 times more carcinogens than cigarettes

TOKYO, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- A study commissioned by Japan's Health Ministry found that some electronic cigarettes contain up to 10 times more cancer-causing agents than traditional tobacco cigarettes. Some brands were found to include formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

The study is the latest blow to the e-cig industry, lauded by some as an alternative to tobacco to help smokers quit because the vapors reduce the craving for nicotine.

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat liquid containing nicotine to produce vapor that is inhaled. Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Public Health found that some brands of e-cigs contain carcinogens in high levels, especially at high heat.

"Our panel of experts will now look into what possible effects those substances could have on the health of e-cigarette users," Hiroyuki Noda, of the health ministry's tobacco-free initiative, told the Guardian.

In August, the World Health Organization called for a ban on e-cigarettes indoors in public places and sales to minors because of possible health risks.