I posted this on the FDA site:
Regarding electronic cigarettes as a substitute for smoking tobacco:
I smoked for 50 yrs., starting at age 15. For most of this time, I smoked 1-2 packs/day. I tried to quit many times using hypnosis, nicotine gum and "cold turkey". The longest period of abstinence was 27 days and I was miserable the whole time.
Oddly, I learned about electronic cigarettes on an internet woodworking forum. I did some research and began to read about the options on the Electronic Cigarette Forum (ECF), also on the internet.
I made a purchase of a "starter kit" and resolved to try it with no expectations. I moved my cigarettes to my woodworking shop and allowed myself to smoke there. In the house I used the e-cigs.
Much to my surprise and delight, I immediately began smoking about half as many cigarettes/day. Within 30 days, I was leaving an open pack of cigarettes in my shop and not smoking any more cigarettes. I have not smoked a tobacco cigarette since April 1, 2012.
I have evolved in my use of the e-cigs and buy my products from established dealers online. I now buy the necessary liquids and mix my own "e-juice". I have gradually reduced the amount of nicotine in the juice I make.
I am breathing better, sleeping better, thinking better, and while I am, and have been, under treatment at the VA for depression born out of PTSD, I'm having more "up" days than I did when I was smoking tobacco.
I respectfully suggest that the availability of electronic cigarettes and the associated nicotine containg products should not be curtailed or restricted. To the best of my knowledge, there is no scientific reason to do so. If you must be involved, please limit yourselves to the same degree of involvement you demonstrated regarding tobacco products.
Regards,
Rober H (Bob) Ross
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