A French study has found that electronic or e-cigarettes are not as harmless as many people think. The vapours can contain almost the same amounts of the carcinogenic compound formaldehyde as in a conventional cigarette. Thomas Laurenceau, the editor of French consumer magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs, said: "They are not as harmless as they pretend to be. That's why it's important to understand that it's not a game, don't take it lightly, it's not perfectly healthy. The report also claimed that some models do not have child-proof safety caps but contain nicotine levels that could be fatal to a child. The French government has already vowed to extend existing legislation controlling the sale and consumption of tobacco to cover e-cigarettes. More about: Health, Medical research, Tobacco Industry