Studies Question Use of E-Cigarettes

8/27/2012 3:00 PM EST

The rise in popularity of electronic cigarettes has also led to the rise of studies that suggest the products, which are battery-operated and heat nicotine into a vapor that’s inhaled, may be doing users more harm than good.

While some studies claim the e-cigarettes help people to stop smoking, others suggest they may addict users to nicotine or produce harmful vapors, according to USA Today. One study, published in Indoor Air, found that e-cigarettes may emit aerosols, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and nicotine, posing a risk to bystanders.

The Food and Drug Administration sought to regulate e-cigarettes as drug delivery devices after it found trace amounts of carcinogenic and toxic ingredients in several samples, according to USA Today. That effort failed so the agency is now seeking to regulate them as tobacco products.

Debate has also been sparked among lawmakers from a number of states over the products and the lack of federal regulations regarding them.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.