Nation in Brief: Caution on Electronic Cigarettes

FDA

Federal Caution on Electronic Cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that an analysis of leading brands of electronic cigarettes, which deliver nicotine without smoke, detected carcinogens and a chemical used in antifreeze that is toxic to humans.

Officials at the FDA and other public health experts cautioned consumers against using the products, saying their health effects are unknown.

"The FDA is concerned about the safety of these products and how they are marketed to the public," said Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg.

The FDA studied the ingredients in cartridges from two leading brands of electronic cigarettes. In one sample, it detected diethylene glycol, a chemical used in antifreeze. Other samples turned up carcinogens, including nitrosamines, the agency said.

The FDA considers the e-cigarettes to be drug devices and says makers must first get federal approval to market them. It has refused to allow their importation.

In May, two e-cigarette suppliers filed suit against the FDA to allow the shipments, claiming that the regulatory agency has no authority over the products. The suit is pending in a D.C. federal court.

-- Lyndsey Layton

HOUSE

'Pay as You Go' Measure Passes

The House approved a bill Wednesday requiring that much new legislation be deficit-neutral, endorsing budget rules proposed by President Obama as he struggles to halt a rising tide of red ink.