FDA Spokesperson Rita Chappelle Shoots Down Both the Device and The Nicotine For a Ban

[TropicalBob]

Lacey, I read every word of the testimony that led to the ban in Australia. The authorities Down Under made screen grabs of Web sites -- and those claims can be used no matter if they are later retracted. If it's been said on a Web page, ever, it's been claimed.

For regulatory purposes, it's just too late to change direction. I still think we need to work to get proper approval of electronic cigarettes (not personal vaporizers) that vaporize nicotine liquid, not something else. That's how they've been sold. That's the mass market for smokers wanting anything but overtaxed tobacco products.

Our banner needs to be harm reduction. We will rise or fall with that intelligent perspective on health.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

For regulatory purposes, it's just too late to change direction. I still think we need to work to get proper approval of electronic cigarettes (not personal vaporizers) that vaporize nicotine liquid, not something else. That's how they've been sold. That's the mass market for smokers wanting anything but overtaxed tobacco products.

Our banner needs to be harm reduction. We will rise or fall with that intelligent perspective on health.

I agree with you on this 100%. We are were we are and we must keep moving forward. This IS about tobacco harm reduction and the essay by David Sweanor was enlightening and helped me to focus the thoughts I was having into a more educated response.

The other fact is that no matter what, this product IS better for you than tobacco cigarettes in the short term simply by ingredient comparison. If we can get public opinion to see that their is a demand for long term testing and that it will happen, the immediate affects of the ecig are worth the long term possible risk and therefor, these little gadgets should be given a pass for the meantime so further use and testing can be done.

 

[Doostin]

Their are a plethora of household products that could potentially cause many health issues for those using them. Scented candles, oil decanters, glade plug-ins, febreeze, lysol, anti bacterial soaps (especially those containing triclosan)...I'm sure the list goes on.

 

[Venuvious]

These regulations were not created simply because people in congress were bored one day. They were created to protect us the citizens from irresponsible individuals and companies who are interested in nothing but short term profit.

Myself I want to know that the product I'm using has gone through the appropriate due dilegence to be as safe as is reasonable for it's intended purpose. I want to be sure that the only poison in my e-liquid is nicotine that I am not ingesting some unknown such as say arsenic or some other highly toxic substance.

If all all the things we believe and have been told about these devices are true then we have nothing to fear from following the proper regulatory framework other than some slightly increased prices. Personaly I'd be happy to pay a little more and know what I'm getting rather than simply trust that my supplier is a stand up guy on nothing more than faith.

Yes, you are of course correct!
However, you should consider that some of us are actually doing this, even though we have not made big announcements about it too often. Mostly because it IS a process, and one that takes time and a lot of work.
The first place I started was here:
FDA > CDRH > CFR Title 21 Database Search
PART 807ESTABLISHMENT REGISTRATION AND DEVICE LISTING FOR MANUFACTURERS AND INITIAL IMPORTERS OF DEVICES
This was the initial process I have started, and is quite a lot of paperwork, and I have had to hire a Lawyer just to get the process started.
Of course this may take some time, so resellers like myself have to decide what to do in the mean time?
I have begun doing the following, all of which will be completed by the first of May, 2009.
-Created proper labeling for the e-liquid bottles:

Also:
- Included in the e-liquid box is a full list of ingredients, amounts, and warnings similar to what is found inside any prescription box or Pharmacy sheet.

So the point I am trying to make is that some of us really did get into this business to help people enjoy the benefits that I have experienced using these products, and to do whatever is needed to bring everything up to standards with the Legal aspects and health concerns.

So please give us a chance to show that some of us are actually on your side and have the same concerns that you do! And that there are those of us who are in this for more than a fast buck!
I have spent a lot of money on things I did not have to but felt it is the right thing to do.
There are also links that some of us are using to help educate and inform consumers about what this new lifestyle is all about, including the issues and the problems associated with it. You can find all kind of answers on my site. Here are a few links:
Testimonials

Warranty, Care, & Tips

E-Cigarette Professional Political Supporters!

Canada Sales

Ingredients & FDA FAQ

E-Smokers Electronic Cigarette Forums

Quit Smoking

And even a No-Nic section coming to help promote the use
of Non-Nicotine e-liquids. (Online this weekend)
Non-Nicotine Flavors

So I hope that puts a little faith back in your fellow American Businessmen! Because some of us are really doing a lot of work to make sure you (The Customers) are able to enjoy these products and know that the companies you purchase from are working very
hard to make these products safe and effective!

Thank you,

 

[seminolewind]

That's going to be tricky. It seems like the chinese market and regulators have accepted the fact that they *are* healthier, even if the US hasn't. So getting them to stop making health claims is probably not going to happen.

So why are they banned in Hong Kong / China?

 

[jerimiah797]

I have no idea. They aren't banned in mainland China. My guess is it has something to do with the psuedo-autonomy that Hong Kong has from their previous 100 years of British rule, mixed with their extreme stances on the criminalization of things like littering and spitting, both of which will get you caned. But honestly I have no idea.

 

[OutWest]

Even though Hong Kong is part of China now, they are still operating with a bit of independency. I suspect HK banned them because of pressure from other countries, but that's just a guess.

 

[SnarkyClark]

So why are they banned in Hong Kong

Because getting them banned in HK is a quick and easy way to hamper much of the international distribution of the product? Just a wild guess though.

 

[Eclectic_Current]

...
...

You could market a gun as an stop smoking device - just put it up to your temple and squeeze the trigger - BLAMO - you'll never smoke again! Unfortunate side effects to include..........

Cold hard fact.....Nicotine is a POISON. Marketing a POISON as a healthy alternative for inhaling something equally hazardous (cigs) is irresponsible. We are using a POISON as a recreational DRUG. ...

...
This is what the FDA's assumptions are. If they allow a new recreational drug (which is, in fact, a poison) they are NOT doing their job...

Note that it is very important to use langage correctly. Nicotine is a TOXIN and only becomes a POISON in large enough doses.

Btw, Botox is also a toxin and is injected into the human body for the cosmetic purpose of reducing wrinkles so there is nothing wrong, as such, with marketing a product which is a toxin. It is the dose which makes the poison.

The word TOXIN is not always interchangeable with POISON. If low dose nicotine were actually a POISON or even a carcinogen, then even patches would be illegal.

 

[Mohave]

Hong Kong has ... mixed with their extreme stances on the criminalization of things like littering and spitting, both of which will get you caned.

That will come as a great surprise to anyone who has ever been to Hong Kong. You are probably thinking of something you heard somewhere about Singapore. They are in the same hemisphere of the globe, as are the US and Argentina, or Montreal and Honolulu, but you've confused places that are not near each other, and not similar.

 

[jerimiah797]

Crap, Mohave, you are so right. And I am so wrong. I definitely confused HK and singapore. Sorry everyone.

I still don't know why they are banned in Hong Kong. Actually I didn't even verify that claim before I started wondering about the reason. Is it true? Are the banned in HK?

-Jerimiah

 

[TropicalBob]

You can find threads here on the ban. It suspiciously occurred about the same time a large tobacco tax increase was put in place. Follow the money.

 

[Vicks Vap-oh-Yeah]

Note that it is very important to use langage correctly. Nicotine is a TOXIN and only becomes a POISON in large enough doses.

Btw, Botox is also a toxin and is injected into the human body for the cosmetic purpose of reducing wrinkles so there is nothing wrong, as such, with marketing a product which is a toxin. It is the dose which makes the poison.

The word TOXIN is not always interchangeable with POISON. If low dose nicotine were actually a POISON or even a carcinogen, then even patches would be illegal.

I stand corrected....

 

[Mohave]

I still don't know why they are banned in Hong Kong.

Neither do I. Other than maybe TB's hint.

I hadn't heard of HK's policy on them until I skimmed this thread today. I actually do spend a lot of time in Asia, and it is common to go through Hong Kong, often with a substantial layover, no matter what your destination is on trans-Pacific flights. So this actually does matter to me to learn of this. It was probably a small nit-picky point to many folks reading this forum.

 

[jerimiah797]

Nit-pick or not, I appreciate the correction.

To quote the old chinese woman sharing a bench and conversation with me during lunch the other day, "We have hug now!"

-Jerimiah

 

[Unforgivensinner]

I know they are gonna eventually ban these great things, just because the government doesn't have a way to put a tax on them like they can with analogs. The high price because of the tax and the health risks is what is making everyone want to switch to e-cigs. Thats the reason I did.