Banning use of e-cigs in public!

[kristin]

I'm writing an article on the attempts to classify e-cigs as "smoking" in public smoking bans. Please answer if you're willing to be quoted under your real name. (If I use your quote, I will PM you for information - no need to post it here.)

Please avoid short answers like "I think it sucks," because those make very poor quotes in articles. Be as detailed as possible as to why you feel the way you do, incorporate the question into your answer, if possible and give any information you feel you would want the public to hear, that you think would help convince them that banning e-cigs is a bad move. This is your chance to be heard, so take your time with the answers - imagine you're talking to your legislator, who thinks e-cigs should be banned, & you're trying to convince him/her otherwise!

1. How do you feel about legislators forcing you back outside with the tobacco smokers and saying that e-cig vapor is just as bad as tobacco smoke? Why are they wrong?

2. Why do you believe e-cigs are better than smoking?

3. What would you do if e-cigs were banned for sale altogether, as suggested by groups like ASH, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association?

4. How have e-cigs helped you and what positive comments/feedback have you had from your family, employer and/or doctor?

5. NEWER MEMBERS: If you were aware of the FDA study prior to purchasing your e-cig, what made you still move forward with your purchase, in spite of the reported "dangers?"

6. Are there any other comments you'd like to have heard by your government and other anti e-cig groups? Write it here:



If you'd like to read my previous articles about e-cigs, check out my Associated Content profile: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/624909/kristin_nollmarsh.html

Thank you for all of your answers and I appreciate your participation!!

 

[ThaLadyD]

I feel that legislators forcing me back outside to use my e-cig next to tobacco smokers will put my health at risk. Knowing how dangerous second hand smoke is, I don't want to be around it anymore! I quit for a reason, use an electronic cigarette for a reason, to save my health. Electronic cigarettes are safe, I am careful with which supplier I purchase my nicotine
liquids from. I verify their Certificates of Analysis (COA's) of their products for any
dangerous chemicals to be sure that I'm not risking my health or anyone else's around me. These analysis show what is in the nicotine liquids, and some I do choose not to purchase based on what their COA's show. Everyone I know that uses these devices is concerned and careful about what they are putting into their bodies. And most of us stay away from
suspect companies that do not seem concerned with safety.
If electronic cigarettes were banned from sale as suggested by the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association, I would most likely be forced back onto tobacco Cigarettes. Which in my opinion is rediculous, knowing how safe electronic cigarettes areand how unsafe tobacco in any form is.
I wasn't even planning on quitting smoking, but two weeks after I started using an electronic cigarette I was completely off tobacco. It was the easiest way to quit I have ever tried, and I've tried them all. They saved my life, and I am extrememly thankful. My husband is also
happy that I'm no longer risking his health using tobacco cigarettes around him. My doctor even agrees that it's a good idea knowing how dangerous tobacco is.
I was also aware of the FDA study before I purchased an electronic cigarette, but knowing how much more dangerous tobacco is, I chose to research the product, nicotine liquid certificates of analysis, and information on the FDA test before I purchased anything. I think everyone should
read more about the FDA test and electronic cigarettes also, not just believing what they hear on the news. Anyone who want's to ban electronic cigarettes because of safety reasons, needs to take another
look at tobacco that is still on the market. Also, electronic cigarettes should be tested again, but this time please choose a reputable company, then make your decision.


Thank-you for all your hard work, we need more people like you!
I was born in Antigo, have family there!

 

[Redd]

I'll answer these questions tonight from home when I have no distractions.

Central WI vaper for going on 3 months.

 

[JohnnyVapor]

1. How do you feel about legislators forcing you back outside with the tobacco smokers and saying that e-cig vapor is just as bad as tobacco smoke? Why are they wrong?

I understand why legislators may roll e-cigarettes in with normal cigarettes, as they appear similar. I am not 100% against it. I think a well-presented scientific study of the vapor of an e-cigarette versus smoke from a cigarette versus normal indoor air quality needs to be done. I think at that point a decision could be made more intelligently. Though I don't have hard scientific evidence, I feel strongly that vapor contains many less harmful ingredients than smoke, and I'd even be willing to venture that the vapor contains less harmful substances than you may find in indoor air.

Secondly, forcing e-cigarette users to occupy the same places as smokers negatively impacts the health of people using the e-cigarette, as they are now exposed to second-hand smoke.

Finally, before some people might go off on a tangent about putting harmful substances in the air, think of colognes, perfumes, hand lotions, and various other scented products. Think of the chemicals in the air from those. Think of chemicals in the air from cooking food in a restaurant, or the volatile substances outgassing from new cars in a dealership.

2. Why do you believe e-cigs are better than smoking?

A simple look at the ingredient list for e-liquid should speak volumes. You have either or both propylene glycol/glycerin, which are GRAS. You have water or grain alcohol, which are also not all that harmful. You have flavoring agents in small amounts, and nicotine. Tobacco contains many more ingredients to start, some of which can be harmful in larger amounts. However this doesn't tell us the whole story. A large amount of new compounds are formed during the burning of the tobacco. Also, the particle size of the vapor is much larger than the smoke particles, and I believe they have much lower bio-impact.

3. What would you do if e-cigs were banned for sale altogether, as suggested by groups like ASH, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association?

I would do my best to find sources that were still importing, or look into creating my own hardware and e-liquid while I worked towards cutting it out completely. I'd never go back to traditional cigarettes.

4. How have e-cigs helped you and what positive comments/feedback have you had from your family, employer and/or doctor?

I can breathe more easily. After a good couple weeks lung clearing, I don't cough nearly as often. I've had a stronger immune system. I have more energy. I can get to sleep more easily. I'm saving money. I have better productivity, as I no longer need to take smoke breaks. I no longer smell like a used ashtray.

5. NEWER MEMBERS: If you were aware of the FDA study prior to purchasing your e-cig, what made you still move forward with your purchase, in spite of the reported "dangers?"

I did my research. I found that though a tested sample by the FDA contained small amounts of DEG, it was a statistical anomaly. The FDA's comment that e-liquid contains nitrosamines actually made me laugh, as most manufactured products containing nicotine have nitrosamines as the nicotine is extracted from tobacco. That would include traditional NRTs which I believe the FDA doesn't have a problem with.

In the end, my research showed that most users were able to reduce or stop smoking traditional cigarettes, had a lessening of smoke-caused symptoms, and were generally happy with their purchase. As I wanted to quit, and was unsuccessful with the patch, gum, lozenge, and cold turkey, I decided to give the e-cigarette a try.

6. Are there any other comments you'd like to have heard by your government and other anti e-cig groups? Write it here:

To these groups: Please do your proper research before spouting out nonsense. While e-cigarettes may not be 100% safe, they are certainly safer than traditional cigarettes. Embrace harm reduction.

If you have concerns over the sourcing of the e-liquid, do studies. If you're still concerned, put out guidelines. Remember though, the product that these e-cigarettes are replacing have been on the market for a long time, and not much legislation beyond an age limit, higher taxes, and a cute little warning on the side of the tin.

Finally, I highly doubt that these products are being targeted towards minors. As someone who is just shy of 30 and has been smoking for 15 years, I enjoy fruit and sweet flavors as much as anyone else. I do believe that retailers need to have proof of age on e-cigarette hardware and liquid as is done with tobacco or alcohol, and that these products should be sold in a responsible manner.

 

[ZoSo15]

5. NEWER MEMBERS: If you were aware of the FDA study prior to purchasing your e-cig, what made you still move forward with your purchase, in spite of the reported "dangers?"

I was aware of what the FDA said and how the news agencies were skeptical of electronic cigarettes, but I really didn't take them seriously to tell you the truth. What cigarettes have done to my health and lung capacity is just awful and I found it hard to believe that anything could be worse. So I did some research and ultimately found no reason not to give e-cigs a try. The main ingredient in the liquid that is vaporized is propylene glycol, which the FDA approves for consumption. There are flavorings, nicotine, and some other trace chemicals. Being able to count the ingredients on one hand is quite a refreshment to the hundreds of things in tobacco cigarettes. Really, if any smoker looks at the facts- the switch to electronic cigarettes is a no brainer.

(The real reason why I didn't give a xxxx about the fda report is their connections to big pharma, and apparently big tobacco. I wouldn't say that for a quote becuase obviously the average citizen would consider it a conspiracy theory. If only the populace was smarter....)

I really enjoyed your article on the negative reactions mystifying e-smokers. Keep up the good work! [FONT=verdana,helvetica,arial][/FONT]

 

[Mordred]

1. How do you feel about legislators forcing you back outside with the tobacco smokers and saying that e-cig vapor is just as bad as tobacco smoke? Why are they wrong?

Why are they wrong? Simple, they fail to use either basic science or, for that matter, common sense. In it's pure form, e-liquid contains nicotine and propylene glycol. The latter is commonly used as a food additive and is not remotely dangerous. The former has not been shown to cause cancer or any other disease and can be equated to caffeine in terms of effect and risk. Cigarette smoke, on the other hand, contains a large number of chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, others may be otherwise harmful (the main culprit being tar imho). Both science and common sense tell us, that the e-cigarette is clearly less harmful.

The legislators seem to follow the "quit or die" doctrine and rejecting any kind of harm reduction. This is akin to telling us that we shouldn't use seatbelts in our cars because driving is fundamentally unsafe and wearing a seatbelt is "just as dangerous as not wearing one". We should not drive at all, and seatbelts mus be banned because they make people drive more. But wait, the same legislators made it a law that you HAVE to wear a seatbelt... contradiction much?

In any case, the legislator, by telling us that e-smoking = smoking cigarettes is KILLING people.

2. Why do you believe e-cigs are better than smoking?

Better? I don't know about that. It's all about how you value risk vs reward. They are safer than smoking. If people prefer to go on smoking, I'm fine with that. But they need to be told the truth, so they can make their choice based on facts and not propaganda.

3. What would you do if e-cigs were banned for sale altogether, as suggested by groups like ASH, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association?

Personally, I would switch to snus entirely, since I vape less these days (mostly due to the hassle of carrying around batteries, charger, liquid etc), but that may not work for everyone. If I felt I had to use the e-cigarette to stop myself from smoking, I would try to vape anyways. Depending on the level of enforcement, I would have to go back to smoking regular cigarettes.

4. How have e-cigs helped you and what positive comments/feedback have you had from your family, employer and/or doctor?

They helped me quit smoking, simple as that. I know that I couldn't have stopped otherwise because I tried. The day I got my e-cigarette, I never smoked another real cig.

Feedback has been neutral overall. Some laughed at me, some admired me. But I didn't do it for my friends or family, I did it for myself, so it matters little. What DOES matter is that my chronic bronchitis is as good as gone, I can walk up a flight of stairs without being winded and I have reduced my cancer risk.

The little banner in my cig tells me I would have smoked 1710 cigarettes otherwise. So yeah, they helped me.

5. NEWER MEMBERS: If you were aware of the FDA study prior to purchasing your e-cig, what made you still move forward with your purchase, in spite of the reported "dangers?"

No, I wasn't aware of the FDA study, nor do I know if it was even made public when I bought my first e-cig. When making the decision to try e-cigs, I used common sense, which told me that inhaling two chemicals (flavourings aside) must certainly be better than inhaling 3000, especially since the two seemed to be pretty harmless.

Further, I was aware that e-cigs were a new thing, and that, as with any pioneering, there was some uncertainty. But again, common sense told me that this small uncertainty about the safety of e-cigarettes was preferable to the certainty of how harmful cigarettes were.

6. Are there any other comments you'd like to have heard by your government and other anti e-cig groups? Write it here:

For all of you who think that the e-cigarette should be banned, ask yourself why you're saying this. What is your goal, really?

Are you attempting to ban everything that isn't 100% safe? If so, you'll fail. Nothing is 100% safe.

Are you only trying to ban things that are dangerous above a certain threshold? If so, what is that threshold? How much safer than smoking would a product have to be before you deem it acceptable? Make up your mind and remember that number, then read on.

Snus has been shown to be 98% safer than smoking. 98%. And common sense tells me that the e-cigarette will do even better. Unless you said 100%, which we've seen before doesn't exist, you can't disagree anymore that e-cigarettes are a good alternative to smoking and should remain available to smokers.

Finally, I'd like to address the FDA report itself, mostly the DEG found in one cartridge. First of all, the levels were hardly dangerous, but even so, we'd like our e-cigarettes to be safe too, remember? That's the reason we stopped smoking in the first place. So if the FDA found something wrong in one of the cartridges, then I AGREE that this should be looked into.

Remember that the e-cigarette is very new. Many producers are located in China, where, no offense, quality control in chemical plants has been known to be lacking. So if the government wants to set up a system of testing e-liquids, I'm all for it. I'll gladly not buy from a supplier who was shown to ship dubious products.

Just like food products are tested on a regular basis, so should e-liquid. But do consider this: Would you call for a ban on onion rings just because in ONE sample from ONE manufacturer, they found something wrong? Of course not.

 

[Paranoyed]

1. I feel like the FDA is trying to demonize a product based solely on monetary gain with no thought of the health of Americans. If the PV had been started by Big Tobacco or Big Pharma then this would be a non-issue.
2. I wholeheartedly believe PVs are better than smoking for several reasons; First there are far fewer chemical ingredients being inhaled. Second there is no combustion and no tar. Third I can feel the difference in my energy level and the quality of my breathing. Finally my PV has helped to raise my self esteem because I can feel my constant need for nicotine beginning to wane where as with cigarettes my cravings were constant and forcefull.
3. I would like to say that I would be able to remain a non-smoker but having smoked for 15 years and attempting to quit 7 times with no success past 2 months I do not know if that would be the likely outcome.
4. I personally have a higher level of self-esteem, my wife loves the new me as many of my habits and smells are gone.
5. I knew of the dangers reported by the FDA but after doing some research on my own I find studies done by other countries like New Zealand showing the opposite of what the FDA was reporting. The other main reason I did not take the FDA findings as serious is because my last attempt to quit was with the help of Chantix which caused severe depression and insomnia in me, and that is an approved NRT.
6. First of all to the FDA please stop allowing big money lobbying sway you to make a decision that will have a negative impact on the health of millions of American citizens. To the supposed health activist groups please step down off your pedestal and realize that smokers have an addiction that is very strong, vaping allows a healthier way to feed that addiction. By taking PVs away you are in fact saying that you would prefer more people to smoke and therefore are not advocating health whatsoever. Proposing to outlaw PVs is like proposing to outlaw Diet Coke while allowing Coke to be sold. I also do not agree with the argument that PVs are an attempt to get young people to smoke. The cost is astronomical for a young person starting out and the flavors are appealing to adults.

 

[lunaras]

Grrrrr..... computer blue screened on me after writing up answers to 5 of the questions and of course, I hadn't saved. I'll write up my responses again later and post.

 

[angjen0816]

1. It is very upsetting to me that legislators are grouping Nicotine Vapor with Tobacco smoke. There is no evidentce that vaper puts out anywhere near the amount of toxins as cigarettes. There is no foul odor, it doesn't stain clothes or paint, in fact, WHEN you actually can smell it, it smells quite nice.
2. I quit smoking on Oct 25th. In less than two months I already am able to breathe better. I can take the stairs at work, i sleep better, no gasping for air. I smell things better and I personally smell better to others. I can taste things again. My teeth are whitening. My son doesn't cough when i come around anymore. I don't have to stand outside and risk illness. Those are just a few reasons.
3. If they were banned, I would just go back to smoking. I know from personal experience the so call approved smoking cessation medications and devices don't work for me. This is the first thing that ever has.
4. As soon as I received my e-cig, I was able to stop cigarettes. The same day, no problem. My family and friends are so impressed, I have gotten 5 other smokers to quit with me. My doctor asked me for cards to give to her other patients that are smokers. After seeing the ingrediants in the e-juice, she saw no problems with me inhaling any of them.
5. I was aware of the FDA report, but after researching it for myself, I found the so called dangers were insignifant compared to actual cigarettes. I do not regret my decision in the least!
6. This was the best thing that could of ever happened. I would have never been able to quit smoking if it wasn't for the nicotine vaporizors.

 

[Carl]

Don't ever start statement with "I Feel", your 'feelings' on any subject are irrelevant. Nobody cares about how you feel.

Tell them what you Think and why you think it.

 

[kristin]

Thank you for your responses so far! I am seeing some good quotes in these!

Also, there is no requirement to answer ALL of the questions. If you have something to say about just one or two points - or just have something to say on the topic and are willing to be quoted - I'd love to hear from you!

 

[Thulium]

1. How do you feel about legislators forcing you back outside with the tobacco smokers and saying that e-cig vapor is just as bad as tobacco smoke? Why are they wrong?

There are piles of studies linking cancer, lung and heart disease to second-hand and sidestream SMOKE. There is no reason to believe that second-hand vapor poses any health risks to non-users.

2. Why do you believe e-cigs are better than smoking?

A single Marboro cigarette contains more carcinogenic nitrosamines than a liter of e-liquid* and over 4000 chemicals (many of which are known toxins and carcinogens) that are not present in e-cigarette vapor.

*More than a year's supply for most people.

3. What would you do if e-cigs were banned for sale altogether, as suggested by groups like ASH, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association?

I will continue to use and advocate the use of smoke-free alternatives. We can make the devices and the e-liquid ourselves through legal sources.

4. How have e-cigs helped you and what positive comments/feedback have you had from your family, employer and/or doctor?

I can breathe easier. I can smell and taste again...which means that analogs are as disgusting to me as they should be, and I've subsequently quit without even trying. My daughter loves that I don't smoke anymore, but I think she's a little jealous that I won't let her even try my 0-nic champagne flavor.

I've been told that I am more "kissable" now. (names withheld to protect the guilty)

When I went to see a doctor after injuring my knee, she asked if I smoked I said, "Yes...er...wait...it's been a couple days...er...weeks hasn't it? I guess I don't smoke anymore, do I?" I then proceeded to demonstrate my Joye 510 to my doctor even "vaping" right there in the examination room. Honestly she looked a little bit puzzled that she hadn't heard much about them before, but she then asked if she could be my primary care physician.

Oh, and I can't forget the best part: Living in a state with a smoking ban in ALL public spaces (even outdoors in public parks), I am so very grateful that I don't have to go outside in the bitter cold anymore!

5. NEWER MEMBERS: If you were aware of the FDA study prior to purchasing your e-cig, what made you still move forward with your purchase, in spite of the reported "dangers?"

I purchased a SmokingEverywhere product prior to the study but it was lost (and I couldn't afford to replace it) before the FDA study was released. I then read the study and saw through the fallacious conclusions. I am not using a PV to replace a Nicotrol inhaler, I am using it as a Smoking Replacement.

It is completely ludicrous to suggest that a drop of e-liquid with a total of .4ng of nitrosamines is "as dangerous" as a Marlboro cigarette containing 11,190ng of nitrosamines and over 4000 additional ingredients.

I am actually reassured of the safety of e-cigarettes based on the FDA study. If the worst that the FDA can find is 8.183ng/g, I felt quite comfortable purchasing e-cigarette products and accessories from businesses that are more reputable than Smoking Everywhere or Njoy.

6. Are there any other comments you'd like to have heard by your government and other anti e-cig groups? Write it here:

I won't presume to guess why the FDA is lying about e-cigarettes, but I would like to know how it is that the government agency tasked with preserving public health allows television commercials for a drug that has known lethal side effects while attempting to BAN a product that has not been linked to any serious side effects when used as intended.

The already miniscule risks found in the FDA study are basically eliminated when it comes to non-users. While I acknowledge that it can be rude to use a vaporizer in front of someone without their permission, there is absolutely ZERO evidence that it presents any health risks to non-users and therefore there is absolutely no reason to lump vaping together with smoking rules or legislation.

 

[oldlady]

According to the U.S. Constitution, every citizen has an inalienable right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Vaping makes me happy. I should be at liberty to vape any time, anywhere so long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.

Personal vaporizers do not produce any smoke, smell, fire hazard or litter. Thus, their use does not infringe on the rights of others. Period.

 

[ThaLadyD]

Carl

Her first question to us starts with how do you feel....

"1. How do you feel about legislators forcing you back outside with the tobacco smokers and saying that e-cig vapor is just as bad as tobacco smoke? Why are they wrong?"


So why would you say something like that to us? Not to mention it's just proper to restate the question in your answers! It's all about how we feel, this war has gotten PERSONAL to us!

 

[e-pipeman]

I smoked a pipe for 36 years. I no longer smoke it. I use my nicotine inhaler instead. At the moment it is winter in England - forcing people to stand outdoors in inclement weather to use their inhaler will not improve their health. There are no "passive smoking" consequences to standing next to someone using a nicotine inhaler. Banning the use of these devices in public places would amount to nothing more than spitefulness.

 

[Mordred]

Don't ever start statement with "I Feel", your 'feelings' on any subject are irrelevant. Nobody cares about how you feel.

Tell them what you Think and why you think it.

That's not entirely true. In such debates, the way people feel DOES make a difference, which is why we have this problem in the first place. If facts and rational thinking alone were the determining factors, this debate wouldn't even be necessary.

As a man who also values rational arguments over emotional appeals, I see where you're coming from, but the anti-tobacco lobby has been using emotional appeals for years, so, even though we both believe those to be worthless and counter-productive, they seem to be effective and having some on "our" side might balance things out.

 

[Bogalu]

I have to say, after hearing everyone's story I find it hard to believe that ANYONE can advocate the banning of something that SOO clearly has been helping a massive amount of people. If you want to ban something, then focus on hookah! I started smoking hookah as a "harmless" and "nonaddictive" hobby. Well it just so happens that its not so harmless and nonaddictive then many people have thought. I was attacted to hookah at 15 because of the wonderful flavors and the hit of nicotine it offered made me feel great. I have not been hooked to nicotine so much as one might think, it has actually been a way to self medicate myself. I smoke to control my anxiety and ADHD. It HELPS me! Without it I cant focus or even complete mediocre tasks. I no longer take any medication for my mental disabilities thanks to nicotine. Only problem is, since the enormous ammount of tobacco, I can no longer sleep well and have an extremely low energy level. I am now 20 and am SICK and TIRED (LITERALLY) of tobacco after 5 years of daily 3 hour sessions of hookah after work. I am personally going to purchase a vaporizer because I know nicotine helps, and I will purchase and condone this activity solely due to the staggering accounts of people whos LIVES have been changed and saved by it. Hookah is clearly marketed to underage smokers and it should be the ONLY thing targeted in ANY ban if so one should begin.

 

[pianoguy]

1. How do you feel about legislators forcing you back outside with the tobacco smokers and saying that e-cig vapor is just as bad as tobacco smoke? Why are they wrong?

Unless there is conclusive evidence that second-hand e-cig vapor is harmful, I think that every establishment should be allowed to decide independently whether or not to allow its use, or to designate specific areas for its use. A bar, adult restaurant, business or place of employment might condone the use of e-cigs, while perhaps a family restaurant may not care to. Considering that propylene glycol has been used as an air disinfectant in hospitals, I believe it is highly unlikely that second-hand e-cig vapor is harmful in any measurable way.

2. Why do you believe e-cigs are better than smoking?

The e-cig has several thousand fewer chemicals, no combustion or byproducts thereof, no mess, no second-hand smoke, no unpleasant odor, no risk of fire from dropped ashes. It provides a pleasant, effective and flexible means for a smoker to manage their nicotine addiction, with varying strengths of nicotine. Unlike conventional cigarettes, it does not contain other addictive substances.

3. What would you do if e-cigs were banned for sale altogether, as suggested by groups like ASH, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association?

Barring any alternate means of obtaining e-cig supplies, it is highly likely that at some point I would resume smoking traditional cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is a powerful addiction, one that I have had for 40+ years. I quit for a year about 12 years ago. All it took was one cigarette to get me started again.

4. How have e-cigs helped you and what positive comments/feedback have you had from your family, employer and/or doctor?

After just a month of exclusive use of the e-cig, my sense of smell and taste are greatly improved. I have more energy, I sleep better, and smell better. In the months since the introduction of mandated FSC (fire-safe cigarettes) here in December of 2008, I had developed a cough and persistent congestion - those are gone now. I feel more productive at work, not having to leave my office for cigarette breaks. My family, friends and co-workers are very supportive, and those who smoke are interested in learning more about it.

5. NEWER MEMBERS: If you were aware of the FDA study prior to purchasing your e-cig, what made you still move forward with your purchase, in spite of the reported "dangers?"

I was aware of the FDA study, and after reading other studies to the contrary from around the world, along with the success stories of many individuals, I proceeded with my purchase. I feel that the benefits outweigh the risks by a substantial margin.

6. Are there any other comments you'd like to have heard by your government and other anti e-cig groups? Write it here:

I bought an e-cig mostly out of curiosity, and to my utter shock, quit smoking traditional cigarettes within 3 days of my purchase. After a month, I still keep a pack of cigarettes within reach, but have not had any urge to open it. I've had no anxiety, no restlessness, no inability to concentrate - I cannot imagine any other scenario short of a coma where this would be possible for me. And the number of long-time smokers with similar stories is amazing, and grows by the day.

Given what we know about cigarette smoking, the fact that millions of people continue to smoke in the face of well-known consequences proves that the addiction is much more powerful than reason. Is the e-cig perfectly safe? No, nothing is. But it is potentially safer than traditional cigarettes by orders of magnitude, not only for the users, but for those around them. I would certainly favor regulating the purity of the ingredients, and prohibiting sales to minors. But any effort to ban these devices is not motivated by anything resembling serving the public interest, or regard for the health of our citizens.

 

[kristin]

Thanks guys - keep 'em coming!

Does anyone have any links to testing of second hand vapor? I thought I read on ECF that New Zealand Health tested it but I can't find a link to the results?

 

[kristin]

It is completely ludicrous to suggest that a drop of e-liquid with a total of .4ng of nitrosamines is "as dangerous" as a Marlboro cigarette containing 11,190ng of nitrosamines and over 4000 additional ingredients.

I am actually reassured of the safety of e-cigarettes based on the FDA study. If the worst that the FDA can find is 8.183ng/g, I felt quite comfortable purchasing e-cigarette products and accessories from businesses that are more reputable than Smoking Everywhere or Njoy.

Thad, JOC, do you have support links for these numbers or did you calculate them yourself? Interesting statements!