The Real Reason Why E-Cigarettes Can’t Help More American Smokers

[Painter_]

This is from the Huffington post in the form of a blog by Dr. Amy Fairchild. She discusses the two sides of the scientific debate revolving around vaping. One of my favorite lines of the blog which is the repeated theme in the blog is "Given the anti-e-cigarette messaging of some influential anti-tobacco groups, many may be surprised to learn that it is increasingly difficult to make a scientific case against e-cigarettes."

The Real Reason Why E-Cigarettes Can't Help More American Smokers | Huffington Post

 

[NGAHaze]

Another interesting tidbit the article included is that the U.S. approach really isn't at all concerned about helping current smokers. Their focus is in preventing future generations from exposure to potential habit forming 'tobacco' products.

"The positions of British organizations that embraced e-cigarettes reflected a long history of support for harm reduction. Also, the UK organizations have focused on populations in immediate, certain danger: smokers themselves.

In the US, in sharp contrast, federal agencies have remained staunchly opposed, not only because of precaution, but also because of a focus on a different population: vulnerable youth and non-smokers."

Yet another case of 'we know what is best for you' government.

 

[Lessifer]

Another interesting tidbit the article included is that the U.S. approach really isn't at all concerned about helping current smokers. Their focus is in preventing future generations from exposure to potential habit forming 'tobacco' products.

"The positions of British organizations that embraced e-cigarettes reflected a long history of support for harm reduction. Also, the UK organizations have focused on populations in immediate, certain danger: smokers themselves.

In the US, in sharp contrast, federal agencies have remained staunchly opposed, not only because of precaution, but also because of a focus on a different population: vulnerable youth and non-smokers."

Yet another case of 'we know what is best for you' government.

They don't seem to acknowledge that the best way to prevent future smokers, would be to have all of the current smokers become ex-smokers.

 

[mcclintock]

Doubt about safety doesn't seem like the main reason many smokers don't switch, but it's true that smokers will take any excuse. I think there would be competition by now on claims of safety if it were allowed and regulation wasn't looming so strongly. I also think there would be a big market for FDA-evaluated products even if it was no way mandatory.

The article says: "Interpreting the emerging evidence on e-cigarettes relies on values and priorities: harm reduction or precaution, immediate peril or potential risks." Those sides only determine is restriction should even be considered, it still has to be weighed against personal freedoms and the issues of enforcement.