Food and Drug Administration
In May 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of 19 varieties of electronic cigarette cartridges produced by two vendors (NJoy and Smoking Everywhere).[6] Diethylene glycol was detected in one of the cartridges manufactured by Smoking Everywhere.[6] In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), known cancer-causing agents, were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the cartridges from the other brand. The study found that the actual nicotine levels did not always correspond to the amount of nicotine the cartridges purported to contain.[6] The analysis found traces of nicotine in some cartridges that claimed to be nicotine-free.[6] Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device.[7] In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.[8]
The Electronic Cigarette Association said that the FDA testing was too "narrow to reach any valid and reliable conclusions.”[6] Exponent, Inc., commissioned by NJOY to review the FDA's study in July 2009, objected to the FDA analysis of electronic cigarettes lacking comparisons to other FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products where similar levels of TSNA were detected. Exponent concluded that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.[9]
