About E Cigarettes (Vapes) Smoking and Tobacco Use CDC E cigarettes are not a healthier alternative to cigarettes. They contain nicotine and many harmful ingredients that can cause cancer and heart disease. Since these products are relatively new, we don't know all E cigarette Characteristics, Safety Issues, & Regulation Britannica Electronic cigarettes (e cigarettes) are sometimes called e cigs, vapes, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). E cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Most e cigarettes contain nicotine. Get the facts about e cigarettes,