 |
| News > Electronic cigarettes may be harmful, surgeon general |
|
Electronic cigarettes may be harmful, surgeon general
Posted 9/2/2010 Updated 9/2/2010
Email story
Print story
9/2/2010 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Air Force Surgeon General says electronic cigarettes may not be safe to smoke.
The surgeon general said a report from the Food and Drug Administration found many varieties of electronic cigarettes contain nitrosamines (the same carcinogen found in real cigarettes) and many contain diethylene glycol, the poisonous ingredient in antifreeze. Others claiming to have no nicotine were found to have low levels of the drug.
"No studies have been done to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of these products as tobacco cessation aids, and they are not approved by the FDA as a drug delivery device," said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Charles B. Green.
Electronic cigarettes, also called "e-cigarettes" are battery-operated devices which heat a solution of nicotine in propylene glycol, producing a fine mist which can be inhaled to deliver nicotine directly to the lungs.
The Robins Health and Wellness Center's comprehensive tobacco cessation program does not include electronic cigarettes.
For more information the use of electronic cigarettes, or on the tobacco cessation program, contact Stuart Bapties at 327-8480.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
