Now is the Time To Act! I am Serious! **updated**

[Vocalek]

This is the text that I faxed to the president, 2 sentators, and my congressman:

The FDA has confiscated shipments of electronic cigarettes and supplies, claiming that these are “medical devices” that have not been proven safe and effective. I beg to differ. These are not being marketed as medical devices. Nevertheless, the evidence, should it be required, does point to both the effectiveness and safety of these products.

Thousands and thousands of us who bought the product to partially replace our cigarettes have ended up replacing ALL of our tobacco cigarettes. And nearly all of us tried and failed to quit using FDA-approved products such as the patch, lozenges, and gum.

Furthermore, I searched the Consumer Product Safety Commission site and could not find a single report indicating that electronic cigarettes are unsafe. </SPAN>

To the contrary, in the two months that I have been inhaling nicotine vapor instead of tobacco smoke, my lungs have made a remarkable recovery. I no longer wheeze and cough up thick phlegm. Since I am still maintaining adequate levels of nicotine in my brain and body, I have not experienced the cognitive impairments, unhealthy weight gain, and eventual hypertension that usually accompanies smoking cessation.

To date, over 10,000 people have signed the petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/keep-life-saving-electronic-cigarettes-available. If these products remain available, many thousands--perhaps millions--of people might be able to give up smoking and live a longer, healthier life.

If they become unavailable, many of us who are now "former smokers" will find it necessary to return to smoking tobacco. The FDA's mission is "to promote and protect the public health." Sabotaging our recovery from tobacco smoking is antithetical to that mission.

Won't you please do your part to ensure that we can remain healthy former smokers?

 

[Mac]

I signed the petition and I called my state senators office..

 

[LuckyCharm]

Great letter, Vocalek! I hope everybody here will take a moment to craft a personal letter and get it to their legislators -- get your non-smoking friends to do the same, because they also benefit. Less nasty butts on the ground, no need to go find an old tuna can for you to use when you smoke on their back porch, no wading through a cloud of smoke because the guy a few paces ahead of you is carrying a lit ciggie....

~~Cheryl

 

[TiggerST67]

With recent legislation and the lack of information of the general public, it falls upon us all here to educate and be responsible. I email my reps and senators, FDA, etc. on a regular basis concerning e cigs. I have visited doctors offices, health food stores, and others educating them on the benefits of and information about the electronic cigarette. I think it is important for us to talk talk talk about this to as many people as possible, so they understand the benefits of the e cig. WE CAN sway public opinion.
The second thing is to be responsible. ASK before vaping in new places, inform people who give dirty looks that you are NOT affecting them by vaping. See everyone as a possible ally, not an adversary. Don't be defensive, remember, many people have no idea what an e cig is, or how it works. Through information, we CAN make all the difference. I carry Dr. Nitzkins' letter with me and show it to people. I believe in my own ability to help people understand, I am not depending on Congress or the government to do the right thing.

 

[OutWest]

you forgot to mention that traditional anti-freeze (the toxic kind) and propylene glycol are two vastly different things and that repeated, long-term ingestion of propylene glycol has been occuring by the public for decades - RV owners add it to their drinking water tank in the winter and it was used in nearly all soda pop up until they started using high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar, and is still used by some soda pop manufacturers that use real sugar.

 

[greenfiremajick]

I thought it was Ethylene Glycol that was used in antifreeze?? The new "safe" antifreeze for pets, uses Propylene Glycol...

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. (Nyack, Dr. Vin, Ph.D., Biochemist; personal communication). And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the “active” ingredients in those transdermal patches INTO YOUR BODY
Imagine a bottle of Anti-Freeze in a picture with shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpastes?
The question you should be asking is …. What’s Anti-Freeze doing IN my shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpaste?
Yes, the main ingredient in anti-freeze is in all of these products.
Shocked? You should be!
You need to understand what it could do to your health…
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Also called “Propanediol"
American Heritage Encyclopedia Dictionary
PROPYLENE GLYCOL is used in:
Anti-Freeze * Brake and Hydraulic Fluid * De-Icer * Paints and Coatings * Floor Wax * Laundry Detergents * Pet Food * Tobacco * Cosmetics * Toothpastes * Shampoos * Deodorants * Lotions * Processed Foods and many more personal care items.
Check out your body lotions, deodorant, hair conditioner, hair gel, creams, and many more products!
Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant – a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply –it prevents things from drying out. That’s why some pet foods are soft and chewy. This, of course, is a good reason it’s in cosmetics and other personal care items. It makes the skin feel moist and soft. And, the products don’t dry out. Propylene Glycol is also found in baby wipes and even some processed foods! Go Ahead, check your labels!
A published clinical review showed propylene glycol causes a significant number of reactions and was a primary irritant to the skin even in low levels of concentrations.
The American Academy of Dermatologists, Inc; Jan. 1991

What can PROPYLENE GLYCOL Do To Us?
In 1938, the FDA grandfathered the use of several ingredients as safe for personal care items, with restrictions of course. Based on what? There were no studies on repeated exposure over time.
The problem is PROPYLENE GLYCOL may be absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown SYSTEMIC retention (residue throughout).

NOW THIS OPENS UP A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME!

Has anyone or any company tested the long-range side effects from constant use of these products? We haven’t found any. Do these complex chemicals build up in our bodies? If Propylene Glycol keeps things from drying out – how? If it’s absorbed into our bloodstream and into our cells, what does it do? Does it affect any of the simple, natural biological functions at the cellular level? You don’t need a study to say – it’s possible, even likely.

You do need a conclusive study to make the producers stop using these ingredients! Yes, this is beginning to sound like another great American Tobacco Scandal. But before you get complacent and think the government is going to step in – think again. Look how long it has taken the cigarette pushers to get grilled – 20 years after the first Surgeon General’s report….

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for Propylene Glycol says: “May be harmful by ingestion or skin absorption. May cause eye irritation, skin irritation. Chronic exposure can cause gastro-intestinal disturbances, nausea, headache and vomiting, central nervous system depression. (“Toxicological profile for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol (update).” Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 1996. Atlanta, Ga; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.)

Propylene glycol is also used as a solvent in acrylics, stains, inks and dyes, and in cellophane and brake fluid. It is used as a preservative in flavored coffees. PG can have an anesthetic effect. Other side effects on animals exposed to PG include heart arrhythmia, stunted growth, decreased blood pressure, and even death.

In the book "Beauty to Die For" the cosmetic consequence by Judi Vance gives the following information:

"Propylene glycol is one of the most common humectants. It is used in many cosmetics including liquid foundation makeup, spray deodorants, baby lotions, emollients or moisturizers, lipsticks and suntan lotions. It is less expensive than glycerin and has a better permeation rate. It has also been linked to sensitivity reactions -- local irritations, allergic reactions. This would not be news to the manufacturers of propylene glycol. If you were to purchase a drum of this chemical from a manufacturer he is required to furnish you with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and it may alarm you to find that this common, widely used humectant has a cautionary warning in its MSDS that reads, "If on skin: thoroughly wash with soap and water!" What? Aren't we putting this stuff on our skins daily, sometimes in copious amounts over long periods of time?

It's no wonder propylene glycol has been linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis (irritation), auto toxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It has been shown to be toxic to human cells in cultures. (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Jan. 1987) In fact, in tests conducted over the years propylene glycol has been shown to inhibit skin cells growth in human tests and cell respiration in animal tests. (J. Pharm. Belg. Nov/Dec 1989). It was found to cause skeletal muscular damage in rats and rabbits (Pharm Res Sept. 1989). It is reported to directly alter cell membranes (Human Reproduction, Feb 1990) to cause thickening of the skin (contact dermatitis, 1987) skin dehydration and chronic surface damage to skin ( Derm. Beruf Umwelt July/Aug, 1988) It was also shown to increase beta activity (changes found in anxiety states) when inhaled. (The Medical Post Sept 27, 1994.)

Propylene glycol is a known irritant and sensitizer causing dryness, erythema (abnormal redness) and even blistering. (Safety Evaluation of a Barrier Cream, Contact Dermatitis, 17:10-12, 1987)
Despite its record, propylene glycol continues to appear in our everyday products. It was originally developed for use in industry as an anti-freeze, brake fluid, airplane de-icer among other applications and it's doing a good job there.
In fairness, the producers of these products are not doing anything illegal. They use Propylene Glycol and other questionable substances, for three reasons ….

1.
They do the JOB
2.
They’re CHEAP - (In most cases the cap on the bottle costs more that the ingredients inside)
3.
They’re ALLOWED

 

[Bones]

Yea - I read the data sheet myself - While many of the above mentioned side effects can occur - The rate of occurrence and the severity of the reaction are all LOW to NEGLIGIBLE - - - - Read the sheet of which you speak - Compared to the dangers of TOBACCO SMOKING - Lesser of two evils by A LIGHT YEAR!

There are so very many things wrong with that list of panicky over-reactive hysteria peddling that I'm not even going to try - Just read the data sheet for yourself - If it irritates you don't use it - It only does that to some not 100% - GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!

Inhalation:
Low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause respiratory
tract irritation

Material Safety Data Sheet

 

[BingoBox]

I appreciate all of your work

 

[Bones]

I appreciate all of your work

Whose work? - That's a cut and paste from someone selling organic stuff - - -

 

[CheeMiss]

Ok, Great.....I agree, WE DO NEED TO TAKE A MORE SERIOUS ACTION TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS AS WELL.

Since I am a 1st time newbie to ecig vaping, would someone please point me in the right direction for our Canadian leaders in this field.

I have spoken to 2 suppliers up here in Ontario, but they gave no indication of such a process.

A Canadian petition submitted to our Prime Minister and local MP's is definitely a MUST DO!


So, who up here is organized enough to get that ball rolling?

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Chee -

Health Canada has already made their decision. The electronic cigarette with nicotine must go through the regulation process. Sold without it is nothing more than a novelty.

You could certainly ask your legislative body to persuade Health Canada to make the process easier for suppliers to obtain their rights to sell the nicotine, since cigarettes are so deadly. However, they did not out right ban the ecig so at least you can easily get the hardware and find alternatives for the nicotine.

 

[drakefire]

I think it might help if we write our elected officials. The problem is, it's a shot in the dark. This is just the way things are in America though, the true goal would be to get the media on our side. With the media on our side it's a garunteed win.

I do however plan on sending this letter to every elected official I can find an email address for:

Dear Senator Graham,​

​

I am writing you because I have growing concerns about a product on the market currently, or rather the dim future for the product if we do not intervene on it's behalf. I'll start things off with a simple explanation of myself. I am a proud service member. I am 26 years old and serving on active duty. Currently, I am serving my country in a host foreign country. I have been dependant on cigarettes for my entire adult life. I have tried several methods of quitting; the patch, Zyban, Chantix, gum, hand lotions, and sadly even the hypnosis method. Recently, however, I found a product that releases me from the bonds of what will surely be my early death. It's called an E-Cigarette, or personal vaporizer. While this device does not remove my addiction to nicotine, it does release me from the deadly bonds of cigarettes. You see Sir; the E-Cigarette vaporizes a mixture of Propylene Glycol, Nicotine and Water, which is then inhaled. While nicotine is a dangerous drug, and the addiction to it is a disease, I would consider it far better to inhale this than the 60+ carcinogens and 3000+ other chemicals found in conventional tobacco leaf cigarettes. The fact is that by switching to E-Cigarettes my mile and a half run time has been greatly improved, I no longer cough in the middle of the night, I can breathe easier, and deeper, my throat no longer feels like 500 knives are being jabbed into it when I first wake up, my chest is no longer tight, I can taste foods again, my children are no longer at risk of second hand smoke, I no longer have cigarette smoke sticking to my hair and cloths, my wife will kiss me more often, and more. I hope you can see how much this product has improved my life. It has changed things for me in ways I never hoped possible. I'm sure you are wondering where the problem comes with all of this. The FDA has been seizing imports of these products. I do not believe that something that has helped so many people so much should ever be banned or hindered. The FDA should not have control over this product. This product has the potential of converting so many smokers to a new way of dealing with their addiction. While I do agree that nicotine dependency is bad for someone's health, I also believe that the person should have the option to alternatives. Does the FDA prohibit Diet Coke for making people think it is better for you than Coke? No of course not. No one tells people they cannot smoke; yet smoking tobacco cigarettes causes the loss of so many American lives each year. I think it should be the right of Americans to decide if they want a safer alternative, without giving up their habit.​

I am asking you, my elected state representative, to raise a plea for the E-Cigarette community. I am asking you to stand up for what has the potential of improving millions of lives. Senator Graham, I thank you for your time and understanding on this matter that means so much to me. God Bless.​

 

[Bones]

We have Representatives - NO WAY - When did this happen? 8-o

I wrote all of my "representatives" - Got back form letters full of BS - I applaude your letter which is both eloquent and carefully crafted - Just as the thousands of others that they have ignored as pearls before swine -

It is political suicide to buck the anti-smoking groups now that they have begun to use children as human shields - The reps do not represent US - They represent whatever holds their seat -


But - What about the CHILDREN? - I say - What about PARENTING?

 

[Cloud9Smoking.com]

Yea - I read the data sheet myself - While many of the above mentioned side effects can occur - The rate of occurrence and the severity of the reaction are all LOW to NEGLIGIBLE - - - - Read the sheet of which you speak - Compared to the dangers of TOBACCO SMOKING - Lesser of two evils by A LIGHT YEAR!

There are so very many things wrong with that list of panicky over-reactive hysteria peddling that I'm not even going to try - Just read the data sheet for yourself - If it irritates you don't use it - It only does that to some not 100% - GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!

Inhalation:
Low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause respiratory
tract irritation

Material Safety Data Sheet

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you. What we really need is a study comparing the negative effects of inhaling tobacco smoke vs. PG. I'll be the first volunteer for the PG group.

 

[LaceyUnderall]

What about PARENTING?

Isn't that the truth.

 

[Bones]

Chee -

Health Canada has already made their decision. The electronic cigarette with nicotine must go through the regulation process. Sold without it is nothing more than a novelty.

You could certainly ask your legislative body to persuade Health Canada to make the process easier for suppliers to obtain their rights to sell the nicotine, since cigarettes are so deadly. However, they did not out right ban the ecig so at least you can easily get the hardware and find alternatives for the nicotine.

Yep yep -
I think this is very much the way it will play here in the US as well - Until the approval process is satisfied
They simply have no legal grounds on which to ban the device without nicotine in the box - It's all about the juice - broken record I know - But that is the heart of the matter that most lose site of when they fear the ban - The hardware ain't going anywhere - The two may be inseparable in the mind of the e-smoker - but they are very different in the eyes of the law - Take the chance to make some new friends abroad who are willing to ship it to ya - If they do restrict import on the juice - They can't check every box - And won't if the return address is not from a known supplier -

 

[JRS42082]

I do hope you are right Bones, as long as the hardware stays "relatively" cheap and available, the issues should not affect most users too much.

If the juice gets outlawed, we can still make the DIY stuff with snus etc. And if that were the case, I foresee a lot more interest in the DIY...with better directions readily available online.

So we should be fine. =)

 

[DaBrat]

Ummmmm..... To the rant about PG poster....

PG is also used as a humectant in tobacco cigarettes to prevent them from drying out. I would much prefer to have PG + nicotine than to have PG + nicotine + arsenic+cyanide +++

 

[LaceyUnderall]

Yep yep -
Take the chance to make some new friends abroad who are willing to ship it to ya - If they do restrict import on the juice - They can't check every box - And won't if the return address is not from a known supplier -

Or learn to make it in your kitchen. It is sooo easy it is unbelievable. There are ways to extract nicotine and as we have all learned in all of our attempts to quit: It isn't just the nicotine that is the addiction AND many are willing to make concessions in order to have our ecigs work for us to keep us away from the combustion products. Some can't. But many can.

One thing for certain with juice in the US is we should all keep our eyes on JC. When they stop doing business... then we should take note.

 

[Symmetric]

I know I've not contributed very much over the last couple of weeks while trying out (and falling in love with) my e cigarettes, but here's my 2 cents:

Every article/website I've seen that go against (or don't support) e cigs and vaping state that there have been no clinical trials on humans to cite when it comes to safety.

While I love the 'get involved' message, I don't think a few hundred, or a few THOUSAND letters faxes and calls are going to make the impact to get e cigs in the clear. Once human trials are done, there will be irrefutable evidence that these are not analogs and not 1/1000th as harmful. Then TV and print news (where is Wired Magazine in all this?) will get involved. There won't be a "switch to this kind of cigarette and don't die a painful death of emphysema, News at 11" story until the news stations know they won't be sued.

I'm not sure who we need to lean on to get the trials done. I understand they are expensive and that we don't have big tobacco money to play with here, but no one's going to take us seriously until clinical trials prove what vapers have been saying all along.

Unfortunately, this is a double edged sword; once clinical trials are complete and it's determined that Nicotine is the only harmful substance within ecigarettes, and they're going to unseat Big Tobacco (a guy can hope, right?), prepare for FDA regulation and probably taxes. That said, I would welcome some consistency (keep an eye out for my mini e cig E9/Bloog/GS/RD style review coming soon)

Sorry if I've come off as a naysayer, But I've seen what happens when the troops get energized and are missing a vital component; all momentum is lost.