E-cigarettes may only be harmful under 'extreme conditions'
E-cigarettes can produce harmful levels of formaldehyde that exceed those of regular cigarettes -- but only under "extreme conditions", a new report says.

The study, led by cardiologist Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos, took a closer look at how the popular tobacco replacement devices perform in 'real world' conditions. The findings, published in online journal Addiction, found that it was possible for a third-generation e-cigarette (a vaping device with variable power settings) to produce high levels of aldehydes -- known to be carcinogenic to humans.

E-cigarettes alter lungs 'at cellular level'
Since electronic cigarettes were introduced in 2004, the devices have become incredibly popular among smokers. As of 2013, there were 2.1 million users in the UK alone, despite there being no universally accepted studies on the safety of the tobacco replacement devices, or their efficacy in helping smokers to quit regular cigarettes.

In fact, new research shows that e-cigs -- or more specifically, the flavourings that can be used in them -- could have a dramatic impact on the human body. A report published by the American Thoracic Society, which focuses on pulmonary diseases and breathing disorders, has found they can actually alter lung function at the cellular level.