Cessation expert Dr. Foulds mentions ecigs

[jamie]

What is the e-cigarette?

What is the e-cigarette?

Saturday, March 21, 2009
Jonathan Foulds, MA, MAppSci, PhD

Among the latest gadgets intended to replace cigarettes or help people to quit smoking is the “e-cigarette”. In reality there isn’t just one e-cigarette, but rather a variety of models, some of which are very similar, and some quite different.

The main type of e-cigarette that has recently attracted a lot of publicity contains a nicotine cartridge, an electronic circuit connected to a vaporizer (using propylene glycol as the vehicle). The release of nicotine vapour is activated by sucking on the end (a bit like a cigarette but requiring a slightly stronger ‘draw”), which simultaneously lights the tip red (using a simple pressure-sensitive LED). The whole thing also includes a small computer chip, and airflow sensor and a lithium battery. The vapour produced by puffing looks very ‘smoke-like” but preliminary data suggests that the user does not absorb carbon-monoxide as they would from a cigarette. This suggests that no combustion is taking place.

One tobacco control advocate who is enthusiastic about the potential for this type of e-cigarette is Dr Murray Laugesen. You can find summaries of his research and views on the e-cigarette at:
Untitled Document

One thing we don’t yet have good data on is whether these e-cigarettes are able to effectively deliver nicotine to the user. Amazingly none of the many companies making these things have produced data on the blood nicotine levels achieved by users. We know very well that a product that is capable of increasing the smoker’s blood nicotine concentration by around 10 ng/ml within 10 minutes will be capable of satisfying nicotine cravings and will be used as long as its taste or other sensory characteristics (or price) are not very off-putting. If the e-cigarette is capable of delivering nicotine to the bloodstream of the user at that rate it may have some potential. If its delivery is much lower than that, it will remain a novelty gadget and nothing more.

 

[ritalee76]

nice!

A ray of hope

 

[Caesarea]

Dr Foulds wrote: <<One thing we don’t yet have good data on is whether these e-cigarettes are able to effectively deliver nicotine to the user. Amazingly none of the many companies making these things have produced data on the blood nicotine levels achieved by users. We know very well that a product that is capable of increasing the smoker’s blood nicotine concentration by around 10 ng/ml within 10 minutes will be capable of satisfying nicotine cravings and will be used as long as its taste or other sensory characteristics (or price) are not very off-putting. If the e-cigarette is capable of delivering nicotine to the bloodstream of the user at that rate it may have some potential. If its delivery is much lower than that, it will remain a novelty gadget and nothing more.>>

well....I guess I know the answer to that one!!!!

 

[TropicalBob]

Amazingly none of the many companies making these things have produced data on the blood nicotine levels achieved by users. We know very well that a product that is capable of increasing the smoker’s blood nicotine concentration by around 10 ng/ml within 10 minutes will be capable of satisfying nicotine cravings and will be used as long as its taste or other sensory characteristics (or price) are not very off-putting. If the e-cigarette is capable of delivering nicotine to the bloodstream of the user at that rate it may have some potential. If its delivery is much lower than that, it will remain a novelty gadget and nothing more.

No one knows the answer to that one, and the absence of an answer by manufacturer testing is shameful. Both Kate and I have fussed for months that real blood nicotine tests are needed. We actually differ on how this would turn out: I don't think I get anywhere near the blood nicotine level I got as a 30-day cigarette smoker. She thinks you can get higher levels. Only testing can prove correctness.

But the statement is true. No one knows.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Another positive thread rolling through the gates right now: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-siegel-calls-possible-e-cig-ban-tragedy.html

 

[jamie]

Another positive thread rolling through the gates right now: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...-siegel-calls-possible-e-cig-ban-tragedy.html

Yes... already been posted twice... yes it's great though...

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Yes... already been posted twice... yes it's great though...

You know me... Ms. Optimistic! Just wanted to make sure that after the last three days of depressing outbreaks of articles and statements, everyone is seeing the positive backlash in optimistic favor our favorite little devices

 

[Idahojo]

Well if it's a "novelty gadget" we've sure spent a lot on money on it!