Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a nicotine-containing liquid, which is inhaled much like a cigarette.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, the devices are not regulated by US authorities, leading to concern among some experts that they may be harmful to health — and that their candy and fruit flavors may appeal to youths and put them at risk of addiction.
New study found that e-cigarettes contain diacetyl, which when inhaled has been linked to the respiratory disease bronchiolitis obliterans — sometimes called “popcorn lung” because over 10 years ago it was discovered in workers who inhaled artificial butter flavor in microwave popcorn processing facilities.
Acetoin was also detected in 46 flavors, and 2,3-pentanedione was found in 23 of the flavors.
In addition to containing varying levels of the addictive substance nicotine, they also contain other cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde, and as our study shows, flavoring chemicals that can cause lung damage.
