E-Cigarettes and Other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems

 E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorings. Nicotine is an addictive drug that can cause harm to the lungs, heart and brain. It can also be harmful to youth and young adults, and may impact fetal development.

Besides nicotine, e-liquids contain other chemicals that can be harmful, including flavorings that have been linked to lung disease, heavy metals like lead and small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Studies have shown that secondhand vaping can affect people who are not using a device.

Some studies have found that e-cigarette use improves smoking cessation rates in smokers, but only if the person is highly dependent on cigarettes. However, some e-cigarette flavors have been found to negatively impact the success of cessation efforts.

Many e-cigarettes have high nicotine concentrations, and some have levels higher than those permitted in Europe. These concentrations can be dangerous to the health of young people, and they can contribute to the growing e-cigarette epidemic.

The FDA regulates all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). We’re focused on keeping these products out of the hands of youth, and ensuring they don’t have harmful effects. ENDS are often mistakenly perceived as safe, but they can be just as harmful as regular cigarettes and can harm the health of anyone who uses them.

We’re investigating whether e-cigarettes and other ENDS can cause undesired health or quality problems that are different from those usually associated with tobacco products. These include the possibility of e-cigarette batteries exploding or catching fire, as well as the potential for the product to leak and spill onto other things like surfaces or clothing. You can report problems you have with e-cigarettes or other tobacco products to us on our Tobacco Product Problem Report page.

E-cigarettes and other ENDS are also often used near children or pets, which can lead to burns. They can also be used in public places where smoke isn’t allowed, such as restaurants or bars. This exposes other people to the aerosol and its harmful chemicals, similar to how secondhand smoke from regular cigarettes can hurt others.電子煙