Young people who use e-cigarettes are at an increased risk of using conventional cigarettes, and nicotine intake from e-cigarettes is comparable to conventional cigarettes, according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released Jan. 23.

The report, available to download at no cost online, outlines "a comprehensive look at evidence on the human health effects of e-cigarettes," with researchers examining more than 800 peer-reviewed scientific studies, according to a news release about the report, which was commissioned by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The evidence "suggests that while e-cigarettes are not without health risks, they are likely to be far less harmful than conventional cigarettes," the report says, noting, however, that e-cigarettes' "long-term health effects are not yet clear."

Other findings in the report include that, in addition to nicotine, most e-cigarettes contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances; and that while the second-hand exposure to nicotine and particulate matter is less for e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes, use of e-cigarettes increases the particulate matter and nicotine in the indoor environment.

To read the full report, visit www.NationalAcademies.org.