E-Cigarettes May Not Be as Harmless as We Thought New research released on Monday found high levels of cancer-causing chemicals in teenagers who use electronic cigarettes. Study in journal Pediatrics E-cigarettes, or vapes, use coils to heat up nicotine laced fluid that come in a variety of flavors. Researcher Dr. Mark Rubinstein in study Acrylonitrile and other dangerous chemicals were found in a group of teenagers who used vapes and smoked cigarettes. According to NBC News, the CDC has expressed concern that using e-cigarettes will encourage teens to pick up cigarette smoking, too.