E cigarettes, Safe Smoke TechKnow Since their introduction in Europe in 2006 and the U.S. in 2007, the use of e cigarettes a.k.a., vapes has skyrocketed. A recent review from researchers in Australia found the results E Cigarettes: Safer But Not Safe Dr. Nancy Snubs Out E Cigarette Myths Nonnicotine vapes may be marketed as safe, but many still contain chemicals, have unknown health effects, and aren't FDAregulated. Teens are using them more ofteneven alongside nicotine vapes. No ecigarette is riskfree.