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Last updated on Friday, September 26, 2014
(UNDATED) - While we wait to see whether the federal government will regulate electronic cigarettes, researchers are looking for evidence that they may be worse for your health than their makers let on.
Doctors know that the nicotine contained in the liquid used in e-cigs is not good for you.
"If it's in a pipe, if it's in smokeless tobacco, and probably if it's in e-cigarettes, we as cardiologists think there is going to be damage to blood vessels," said Dr. Kirk Parr, a cardiologist at St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis.
What isn't known is whether e-cigarettes can damage your heart and lungs as cigarettes are known to do.
"It's just too early to know, because these devices have not been around long enough for their users to develop heart disease."
Parr says the FDA has not taken action against e-cigarettes due to a lack of research, some states have decided not to wait.
"Several states have already banned their sale, including - I think - California and New Jersey. I think on this particular issue, the states will lead the way, and the FDA will follow them eventually," Parr said.
Also undetermined is whether e-cigarettes help smokers quit other tobacco products or the converse - that they are a gateway to regular tobacco.
"People think they should work, but we really don't know that. There really haven't been any studies to show that it helps prevent smoking or whether they lead to more people smoking."
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