Electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity but may carry risks

[kristin]

Article based on the ACP opinion paper: E-cigarettes are increasing in popularity but may carry risks - latimes.com

In the paper, the authors wrote that the devices pose several health concerns: "First, e-cigarettes may pose a risk as starter products for nonusers of tobacco. Although candy-flavored tobacco products and e-cigarettes were recently banned by the FDA in efforts to hinder marketing toward children, the posturing of e-cigarettes as 'green' and 'healthy' could deceptively lure adolescents. E-cigarettes also may represent a way for adolescents and adults to skirt smoke-free indoor air laws."

 

[Surf Monkey]

Very frustrating and questionable journalism here. It's simply a regurgitation of information from a single source with no attempt at fact checking or additional sourcing.

 

[5cardstud]

It's the same song different verse.

 

[Surf Monkey]

It's the same song different verse.

So true. The flavors meme is the one I hate the most, closely followed by the "it'll MAKE people into smokers" argument. But the worst thing about this article is that it presents those concepts without any alternative viewpoint, as if they were undeniable facts. That's what makes it bad journalism.

 

[t9c]

Very frustrating and questionable journalism here. It's simply a regurgitation of information from a single source with no attempt at fact checking or additional sourcing.

Absolutely agree. Only it's not "questionable" journalism that references only one source and regurgitates...it's BAD journalism.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Absolutely agree. Only it's not "questionable" journalism that references only one source and regurgitates...it's BAD journalism.

Agreed. A case could be made that it's flat out irresponsible, but given that most major news agencies do exactly the same thing routinely, it's probably more accurate to say that irresponsible journalism is the norm.

 

[Vocalek]

I tried to comment, but the app was broken. Instead, I blogged about it. The Truth About Nicotine: Reality Faces Off Against Unfounded Fears

 

[Vocalek]

Commenting problem has been fixed, so I commented as well.

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

By the standard of what I've seen to wit, this one is about par. Obviously biased ("...contains nicotine and supposedly fewer toxins than real cigarettes.") and imbalanced (CASAA wasn't phoned for a comment, were they?)

Whoever it was that came up with the idea that green and healthy are adolescent-magnets clearly has no children of his or her own--and shouldn't, if they're that out of touch.

 

[Zurd]

Nothing new here to see, move along please. Same ol' articles as when I joined ECF 9 months ago, in fact, I bet it's been like that since the FDA released their so called scientific analysis in 2009.

Vocalek, I admire your motivation and your dedication to post all these comments every time a new article shows up, keep up the good work !

 

[Our House]

In the paper, the authors wrote that the devices pose several health concerns: "First, e-cigarettes may pose a risk as starter products for nonusers of tobacco. Although candy-flavored tobacco products and e-cigarettes were recently banned by the FDA in efforts to hinder marketing toward children, the posturing of e-cigarettes as 'green' and 'healthy' could deceptively lure adolescents. E-cigarettes also may represent a way for adolescents and adults to skirt smoke-free indoor air laws."

OMG 'green' products target children now too??? What they won't say when everything else has been debunked ad nauseum. What's next, "These new Depends diapers are being sold as a way for lazy teens to avoid bathroom visits!"?

 

[Tugger]

First off, this isn't journalism. It's an editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine. My wife is an internist and I'll see a copy later this afternoon. The editorial advocates that all physicians advise patients not to try e-cigarettes, and a copy is delivered to basically every internist in the country, so this is obviously an unfortunate turn of events for anyone wanting physicians to encourage people to try this as a cessation aid.

 

[Surf Monkey]

The piece we're talking about is journalism. It references and is based on an opinion piece, but the article we're actually discussing is a piece of journalism. That's why the criticism has been focusing on that, not the editorial that the "reporter" based the piece on.

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

First off, this isn't journalism. It's an editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine. My wife is an internist and I'll see a copy later this afternoon. The editorial advocates that all physicians advise patients not to try e-cigarettes, and a copy is delivered to basically every internist in the country, so this is obviously an unfortunate turn of events for anyone wanting physicians to encourage people to try this as a cessation aid.

That is true of the A of I opinion piece that was the basis of the story. But the LA Times article itself is journalism--ostensibly.

 

[rothenbj]

And the opinion piece will be part of the growing "body of evidence" against E cigs.

 

[PoliticallyIncorrect]

And the opinion piece will be part of the growing "body of evidence" against E cigs.

Make that growing body of "evidence."

 

[Vocalek]

I wish I had the funds to snail mail a professionally printed copy of the CASAA Medical Infograph to every internist in the country. http://www.casaa.org/files/CASAA Medical infograph(4).pdf

Say...Does Annals of Internal Medicine accept color advertisements?

 

[Eric.MD]

As a pre-med student and a new vaper, I can say that I personally make an effort daily to spark discussion and share my experiences with e-cigs with everyone I can. Also, I am avidly reading absolutely every bit of information I can get my hands on. I can assure you that everyone in my med school class will have an understanding of what vaping really means.

Oh, and thank you for posting that PDF! I am printing copies as we speak! (In addition to my studies, I currently work in a very large area hospital and will attempt to get these into the hands of my physician friends.)

 

[Vocalek]

Thank YOU, Eric.

 

[dee5]

Zurd, I agree with you that Vocalek (Elaine) is steadfast in her support and thank God she takes the time to respond when needed. Just because it's the same old show doesn't mean we should start to ignore it. We all should blast these articles with comments every time we see one!
Ourhouse, You crack me up!!!
EricMD, I applaud your courage and convictions and keep on spreading the word. Thank you!
Elaine, Thank you too!