The US Food and Drug Administration reported that testing of e-cigs from two popular smokeless cigarettes makers revealed many toxic, noxious chemicals, which include a main ingredient in antifreeze. Makers of smokeless cigarettes and FDA are both strong opponents as they try to prove each other wrong. According to Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, deputy commissioner of FDA, very little is actually known about these products, including what other chemicals and how much nicotine is present in these e-cigs. Read onto know more about the ongoing dispute between smokeless cigarettes and FDA.
Electronic Cigarettes and FDA
FDA scientists reported that they have tested 19 different varieties of e-cigs, out of which half contain forms of nitrosamine. This is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in humans. Most of the products which proclaimed that they don’t contain any traces of nicotine had low nicotine levels.
Smokeless Cigarettes – Other Side of the Story
According to the FDA officials, the quality control standards which are implemented to manufacture these e-cigs are either nonexistent or inconsistent. The e-cig brands which were tested by the FDA authorities included Njoy ciggies and Smoking Everywhere. On the contrary, the Electronic Cigarette Association claimed that the FDA’s testing procedure was actually too narrow to reach reliable and valid conclusions.
Meanwhile, the e-cig company, Njoy, claimed that it products were perfect substitutes for smokers. They reportedly said that their products have been marketed since April 2007 sans any adverse health effects.
Smokeless Cigarettes and FDA – The Final Battle
Advocates of public health have said that such products are aimed at youngsters. Also, these products act like a “gateway” to regular tobacco smoking. These products are available in different flavors including mint, bubblegum and chocolate. As these e-cigs are not covered by the federal tobacco laws, these are more easier for them to buy.
