A new study, published in the journal Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, takes a look at the toxin exposure from electronic cigarettes. The study authors note that e-cigarettes have been gaining in popularity and have a decreased overall exposure to toxic particulates. However, more information is still needed about the potential harm of e-cigarette use and secondhand exposure. This study found that certain toxic metals had a higher emission rate with e-cigarettes than normal ones.

Tech Times reports that this study confirms the perception that electronic cigarettes are, on average, less harmful than traditional ones. However, it also supports concerns about the harm present from e-cigarettes, both to the user and those around him. It is important to note that only one brand of traditional cigarettes and one brand of e-cigarettes were used. Toxic emission levels could vary by brand, affecting the results of the study.

The legal environment for e-cigarettes is still developing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will begin regulating tobacco products that are currently unregulated.  According to a proposed rule released Apr. 24, the FDA is rolling certain unregulated products, including e-cigarettes, into the statutory definition of tobacco products, which the FDA already regulates.  Currently, the FDA regulates cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco.

According to WebMD, electronic cigarettes are purported to be safer because they do not contain the tar of traditional cigarettes.  However, health professionals are still concerned.  E-cigarettes may still contain carcinogens and it is not clear how nicotine without tar impacts health.