what is actually the deal with the health of these things?
As of now, the only evidence we have regarding the health benefits is strictly anecdotal. But almost everyone who has made the switch has made the same claims, myself included. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- I have increased lung function. I no longer get winded when doing even moderately strenuous exercise, such as walking up stairs or steep hills. I also no longer feel as if someone is sitting on my chest when I try to take a really deep breath.
- I am sleeping better.
- I can smell things again.
- I can taste things again.
- I no longer reek of smoke. (nor does my car)
E-cigarettes should not be marketed as a healthy or safe (both absolutes) way of getting nicotine. But, for that matter, neither should the FDA-approved NRTs since they also contain the same trace nitrosamines. And, besides, dependence on any chemical -- nicotine, caffeine, whatever -- is really not a recommended part of a completely healthy lifestyle.
They also should never have been directly marketed as a healthier or safer (both relative) way of getting nicotine. They should have been marketed only as an alternative to smoking tobacco. The health benefits of those who switched would have become so self-evident and widespread that everyone would have noticed anyway.
What really gets me about the arguments from the FDA, AGs from several states, some in the medical profession, and other special interest groups is essentially this:
"Well we know smoking tobacco will kill you. But don't switch to these e-cigarettes! No one knows what THEY will do to you!"
Honestly. Can they just sit back for a minute and LOOK at the absurdity of that statement?
