CDC Reports More Teen E-Cigarette Users

A recent report shows that more U.S. high school students who tried e-cigarettes are using them instead of regular tobacco products. 

In fact, the report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that the number of students users has actually doubled in the last year.

As of 2012, an estimated 1.78 million students had tried the new device. It's estimated that sales for the product in the U.S. reached close to $1 billion this past year, and many predict the product could hit $10 billion in the next five. 

E-cigarettes are battery-powered products that help deliver vaporized nicotine to the user. However, they do not contain any tobacco, nor produce smoke. Though they might seem like a good replacement for those who wish to quit smoking, little is known of their long-term safety and many are skeptical of the device. 

The product was first introduced to the United States market in 2007 as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes. According to the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association, the amount of nicotine per brand of e-cigarette varies as consumers can determine how much liguid they would like in their product via a cartridge. 

A report according the FDA in 2009 stated that a laboratory analysis of electronic cigarette samples had shown that they contained "carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze."

Since then, other health reports regarding regulation have sparked controversy surrounding the product and its use. 

What do you think?