Electronic cigarettes prompt concerns

(WPRI) - With smoking banned in most public places, die-hard smokers are looking for new ways to get their nicotine fix. The answer for many has become electronic cigarettes -- but lack of regulation has raised concerns over the contents.

The FDA is leading the campaign for clamping down on e-cigarettes, saying the products are not tested, not regulated by the federal government -- and even being marketed to teens.

Despite the fears, sales are on the rise. One of the biggest appeals, and selling points -- the return of smoking on the job.

"I can smoke it anywhere and no one can say anything to me about it," said one e-cigarette user, Maria Rogic, who used the fake smokes to kick the habit of real ones.

Electronic cigarettes have no tobacco and run on rechargeable batteries. When Rogic inhales, a thick odorless vapor enters her lungs from a cartridge, which contains liquid nicotine and other chemicals.

Some direct marketers are even offering the cigarette apparatus for free, but enrolling customers in a subscription service for the cartridges.

Concerns about children

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids takes issue with the craze, saying e-cigarettes are too easily available to children. "We're deeply concerned that these products are being sold in shopping malls with flavors that directly appeal to kids," said the organization's president, Mathew Myers.

Another anti-smoking advocate, Dr. Michael Siegel of Boston University's School for Public Health, said there's no evidence that children are actually using e-cigs -- because they're expensive. One "starter kit" available online for $39.95 includes the "atomizer," battery and charger -- but only five cartridges.

Dr. Siegel cites studies that show kids are still smoking traditional cigarettes -- but the FDA still believes children are getting their hands on the high-tech versions.

Concerns over liquid in the cartridges

Myers shares the FDA's view that these new products need to be regulated. "We don't know what is in these products," said Myers. "What we're urging is simply that anybody who wants to sell a product to help people quit smoking undergo rigorous testing for safety."

Dr. Siegel agrees, but insists e-cigarettes are a much safer alternative to smoking tobacco products. "I think there's an urgent need for more research," said Dr. Siegel. "This is a really promising product."

Limited government testing recently found carcinogens and toxic chemicals in small amounts in a couple brands. The Electronic Cigarette Association is now fighting to have them regulated as tobacco products.

All the proof Rogic needs is her current record: five months and counting without traditional cigarettes. She said the electronic version made all the difference in helping her quit tobacco.

"I was determined, and I knew I wanted to be a non-smoker so I just pulled through and did it."