Finally, a journalist who dispells the "anti-freeze" myth! Thank you!
I find it ironic that Dr. Reedy is so concerned about the health effects of nicotine use (which are comparable to those of caffeine) when traditional cigarettes contain not only nicotine, but 4,000 toxic and/or carcinogenic chemicals. To dissuade smokers from switching to a far less hazardous product, because of the dangers of nicotine, lacks common
sense. It's like telling obese people to avoid low-fat products because they still contain some fat!
Ms. Squires' concern that "No product containing powerfully addictive nicotine should be allowed to circumvent FDA regulation" is completely non-sensical and ignores the fact that deadly
tobacco cigarettes ARE under FDA regulation, yet still legal. The FDA would have immediate regulation of e-cigarettes if they would simply accept them as
tobacco products. They would immediately be subject to FDA scrutiny and would be illegal to sell to minors in every town, city and state. However, the FDA has chosen, instead, to argue that they are a "drug delivery device," in spite of the fact that e-cigarettes are used as an alternative source of nicotine and NOT for nicotine cessation treatment. That makes them a recreational (albeit safer) tobacco product. These are not meant to be used like the pharmaceutical gums and patches and should not be regulated as such.
The FDA's insistance on calling these products a "drug delivery device," instead of a tobacco product, has tied up the status of e-cigarettes in federal court and delayed FDA regulation. If Ms. Squires' is truly concerned about FDA regulation, she should join the AAPHP in petitioning the FDA to immediately declare e-cigarettes as reduced harm tobacco products!
As far as "at least one user" reporting the health benefits of removing tar, carbon monoxide, ash and toxic chemicals from their daily habit, there are thousands upon thousands who share this story. Simply read the stories at the EcigsSaveLives.info petition or read them on the CASAA E-cigarette User Survey comments posted at CASAA.org.
