There's no question that the cigarette industry is a multi-million dollar business, but the growing awareness and acceptance of smoking's dangerous effects have led in part to the rise of e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, which are also known as e-cigs or vaporizers, are growing in popularity thanks to people who think vaping is a better option to traditional cigarettes. Some people are looking at e-cigs as a tool that would help them quit smoking. However, the jury is still out on whether vaping is indeed less harmful than the real thing.

Despite the lack of research, some studies have shown that the effects of e-cigarettes might be more harmful than helpful. Here are some ways e-cigarettes can harm you:

E-cigs might cause cancer

A study done at the German Cancer Institute showed that contrary to the common belief that e-cigarettes are safer than tobaccos, the chemicals used in making e-cig liquids are actually carcinogenic. The American Lung Association also came to same conclusion. A statement issued by the agency revealed that FDA lab tests conducted in 2009 showed that several leading brands of e-cigs carried toxic, cancer-causing chemicals, including ingredients used in antifreeze and formaldehyde. And like real cigarettes, secondhand smoke coming from e-cigs also contains carcinogenic substances like benzene and nitrosamines.

Liquid nicotine poses danger to children

The liquid nicotine used in e-cigs is sold in a wide range of flavors. The attractive smell and colors make it appealing to children who might end up drinking it. To make matters worse, liquid nicotine doesn't come with childproof caps. And accidents do happen; there might be people who vape that don't put their bottle of liquid nicotine out of the reach of children. Bear in mind that a teaspoon of the nicotine can be fatal to kids, while even miniscule amounts might cause intense nausea and vomiting.

E-cigs trigger inflammation

Researchers have found that e-cigarettes carry nanoparticles that can cause inflammation that is similar to those who suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

But perhaps the scariest thing about e-cigarettes is that it is just as addictive as tobacco, which is why people are vaping almost the same amount that they would usually smoke. Plus, the e-cigarette industry is not regulated, vaporizers or liquid nicotine don't carry any warning labels and are accessible to anyone of any age. Recent reports have pegged that more teenagers in several American cities are now using vaporizers.

Most importantly, the U.S. FDA has not approved of e-cigarettes as a better alternative to smoking tobacco.