The study is the latest blow to the e-cig industry, lauded by some as an alternative to tobacco to help smokers quit because the vapors reduce the craving for nicotine.
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat liquid containing nicotine to produce vapor that is inhaled. Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Public Health found that some brands of e-cigs contain carcinogens in high levels, especially at high heat.
"Our panel of experts will now look into what possible effects those substances could have on the health of e-cigarette users," Hiroyuki Noda, of the health ministry's tobacco-free initiative, told the Guardian.
In August, the World Health Organization called for a ban on e-cigarettes indoors in public places and sales to minors because of possible health risks.
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