Study: E-Cigs Contain More Formaldehyde Than Regular Cigarettes

E-cigarettes, often touted as a healthier alternative to Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man, keep a nasty byproduct around: formaldehyde.

Scientists from Portland State University say in their study in the New England Journal of Medicine: “Formaldehyde is a known degradation product of propylene glycol that reacts with propylene glycol and glycerol during vaporization to produce hemiacetals,” adding that more than 2 percent of chemicals in e-cigarette smoke catalyzes into formaldehyde. Of course, the vaping industry is criticizing the finding, claiming that it didn’t account for user behavior.

While 2 percent may not sound like much, it’s five-to-fifteen-fold increase in formaldehyde compared to regular cigarettes. The FDA is still testing the safety of e-cigarettes, but studies like these are casting serious doubt on the “safe alternative” line.

Via NPR.

This post originally appeared at Popular Mechanics