by Elaine Keller

Created on: August 17, 2009

Shortly after the FDA press release "Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes," an electronic cigarette user walked into a cigar shop. "Hey man, you've got to stop using that thing," said the clerk. "The FDA says electronic cigarettes cause cancer."

So what is an electronic cigarette? Does it really cause cancer? What did the FDA really say?

The electronic cigarette, also called the e-cigarette, was invented in China approximately five years ago. The purpose was to provide a smokeless alternative that would be acceptable to tobacco smokers as well as to non-smokers bothered by second-hand smoke.

The product consists of a battery, an atomizer, and replaceable or refillable cartridges. Cartridge ingredients typically consist of propylene glycol (PG), water, nicotine, and flavoring. When the user inhales, some of the liquid in the cartridge is vaporized by the atomizer. The PG generates an odorless mist that evaporates within a few seconds. This is the same chemical used in machines that produce simulated smoke or fog for stage productions and dance clubs. PG is not a carcinogen.

Users can select a level of nicotine for the cartridges. Levels range from 0 to 24 mg nicotine. Depending on the model, each pre-filled cartridge is equivalent to a half-pack or a full pack of tobacco cigarettes. Nicotine is not a carcinogen.

Chinese smokers were quickly captivated by the idea of a cigarette that provides nicotine, but does not burn, contains no tobacco, and produces no smoke. The product spread to Europe, where it has been in general use for about two years. One company began marketing an electronic cigar in the US in 2007, followed by a cigarette version in 2008, sold via the Internet. By early 2009, one brand was being sold in shopping center kiosks. Another brand became available though several retail outlets.

What did the FDA really say? The FDA announced that a laboratory analysis of electronic cigarette samples found "carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze." Predictably, the public interpreted this to mean that there is immediate danger of contracting cancer from, or being poisoned by, electronic cigarettes. Many smokers formed the opinion that the FDA was encouraging them to stick with smoking tobacco.

Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, president of the American Council on Science and Health, called the FDA statement "distorted, incomplete, and misleading." She pointed out that traditional

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