Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Drugs, Smoking/Tobacco > Are E-cigarettes Safer?
Posted on: 08/28/2009
Question
Are e-cigarettes less dangerous than smoking cigarettes?
Answer
No!!!!!
E-cigarettes were invented in China and are battery-powered tubes that deliver a nicotine vapor instead of burned tobacco smoke. Although this product is becoming more popular, early FDA testing has suggested that the products contain the same dangerous cancer-causing chemicals as cigarettes do, but at lower levels, and that products can vary wildly in how much nicotine they contain. Some actually contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals, including diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.
E-cigarettes are illegal at this point and the government is stopping shipments of them at the border, although they are still found at retail centers, mall kiosks and online. These products are dangerous!
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the dangers of any nicotine product, including electronic cigarettes, and warn them that they are not safe to use.