Are E Cigarettes really the healthier alternative?

Obviously EVERYWHERE on the internet says they are and, in theory, they definitely seem to be but there is this mumbo jumbo about the FDA strongly disapproving (probably not to promote smoking in any way and plus they just pushed tobacco tax and this involves no tobacco.). How many of you have tried it? Any bad effects? Does it last as long as they say? Any and all input would be helpful.
(If I go through with this, I’m so pumped up about avoiding the smoking ban.)
Also…Any good sites to recommend?