"Sharp spike in smokers using banned electronic cigarettes"

[Xanth]

yourhealth .asiaone .com /content/ sharp-spike-smokers-using-banned-electronic-cigarettes

In the first five months of the year, the Health Sciences Authority seized 2,428 units of the smokeless product. -ST
Wed, Jun 19, 2013
The Straits Times
Electronic cigarettes are banned here but that has not stopped more smokers from trying to get hold of them and even using them boldly in public.
In the first five months of the year, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized 2,428 units of the smokeless product. This is far more than the 1,464 it detected in the whole of last year. In 2009, only 10 were confiscated.
Local users are able to buy e-cigarettes from overseas websites or when travelling in countries that permit their sale.
They have taken to calling themselves "vapers" - in reference to the nicotine-laced vapour that is a hallmark of the device. Some even get their stash from underground local suppliers.
One such Singapore-based seller said there is demand, and fresh stock is brought in every week.
The battery-run steel tube creates vapour from heating liquid nicotine, which is then inhaled. Developed in China in 2004, it can be recharged and used repeatedly, by putting in a new cartridge of liquid nicotine.
One cartridge usually has enough nicotine to last several hours to days, depending on the smoker's habit. A starter pack can usually be bought for $100 or less.
Global sales are climbing, backed by the belief that they are healthier than regular cigarettes and could help smokers quit. The growing popularity of "vaping", as the practice is known, appears to be rubbing off here as well, with a local Facebook community page set up last year.
Checks with several websites based in Britain and Malaysia confirm they ship to Singapore.

Online forums are another avenue where participants buy, sell or trade e-cigarettes on the sly. They do this despite knowing of the ban, as shown by forum members constantly reminding others about using e-cigarettes in public.
But pictures still appeared earlier this year on citizen journalism website Stomp showing two men smoking e-cigarettes on the bus. Vapers caught with e-cigarettes in their possession could get into trouble. The Ministry of Health said buying e-cigarettes from overseas websites or bringing them into the country in hand luggage are considered importing, which is illegal.
In a joint statement with HSA and the Health Promotion Board to The Straits Times, the ministry said the law applies even if the product is for personal use.
Under the tobacco Act, the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of anything that resembles a tobacco product is prohibited. Offenders may be fined up to $5,000 for the first time, and up to $10,000 subsequently.
The product has not been proven safe for use, they said, adding that many marketing claims are not supported by evidence. Using it to quit smoking may instead have the "opposite effect" of prolonging addiction to nicotine.
Said the health agencies: "We urge the public to refrain from using e-cigarettes and discard any that they have in possession."
A 41-year-old smoker, whose friend introduced him to the e-cigarette three years ago, claimed the device has helped him to cut down on his costly smoking habit.
But Dr K. Thomas Abraham, an anti-smoking advocate who heads the non-profit Sata CommHealth, said there are other proven methods to quit, like nicotine patches. "The concern is whether it might lead to more nicotine addiction, especially among youth."

chpoon@sph.com.sg
GROWING PROBLEM - Electronic cigarettes confiscated
2009 - 10
2010 - 136
2011 - 1,593
2012 - 1,464
2013 - 2,428

RECENT CASES
2010: Online peddler Jvan Lee Joon Kai, who was found selling e-cigarettes online from his home, was convicted on seven charges in September last year and fined $9,800.
2011: To avoid detection, online seller Jason Lee Mei Keong ordered e-cigarettes from China and had them delivered to a relative's house in Malaysia. They were then sent to his workplace in Singapore, and stored in a warehouse. He was convicted on three charges this February, and fined $3,600.
2012: A tip-off was received that a shop called Wecom in Lorong 10, Geylang, had e-cigarettes on sale. Co-owner Tay Choon Pin was nabbed after a raid uncovered 169 e-cigarettes. He was convicted on two charges in March, and fined $2,500.

 

[e-pipeman]

It's sad that they're banned in Singapore, but the law is the law. It is up to individuals to protest to have the law changed. Not easy, but there it is.

 

[Syn007]

It's sad that they're banned in Singapore, but the law is the law. It is up to individuals to protest to have the law changed. Not easy, but there it is.

For that to happen, numbers are needed. It is sad that the agencies see it as a growing problem. But at the same time, it is a good sign that the number of vapers have increased exponentially.

They mention ecig has not been proven safe - Here we are, the living examples and evidence to prove otherwise.

 

[stealthsg]

The tide is changing and we should spread the good word about vaping...VAPE ON! VAPE PROUD! Discreetly for now

For that to happen, numbers are needed. It is sad that the agencies see it as a growing problem. But at the same time, it is a good sign that the number of vapers have increased exponentially.

They mention ecig has not been proven safe - Here we are, the living examples and evidence to prove otherwise.

 

[aikanae1]

I'd support any vaper living in a country that bans their use. It's nearly impossible to screen every piece of personal mail. I've seen them try and fail.

 

[ikelos]

unfortunately, we're just not wired for any form of civil action. we haven't the time to organise, the stomach to fight, or the tenacity to go the distance. what we do best is keep our heads down and try to stay out of trouble.

All we can do is tell anyone who will listen that completing an RT session now no longer feels like the near death experience it once did. Or that waking up in the morning doesn't bring us directly to Cough City, Hacksville. Or the joy of no longer having to eat a bucket load of mints before speaking with anyone of any professional or personal importance.

I presume if we proselytise long enough, someone in the right position will understand that we vape not as a wilful display of defiance or out of faddishness, but simply because we feel healthier.

 

[tommy11]

Under the Tobacco Act, the import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of anything that resembles a tobacco product is prohibited. Offenders may be fined up to $5,000 for the first time, and up to $10,000 subsequently.

Except for.... tobacco?

 

[Huffelpuff]

It's amazing that cigarette sales are ok and that less harmful vape products are not. No research, no second thoughts for health reasons. Just banned.

So sorry to hear that citizens there need to hide the fact that they are doing all that they can to fight cigarette addiction. It's reprehensible.

 

[Lastlokean]

I would leave the united states if they blanket banned. That or become a terrorist.

 

[Luisa]

Do be careful what you say. Someone might take you seriously.

 

[Beachboy]

Hopefully, the authorities will regulate this product instead of banning it outright! Ecigs are simply awesome. I have tried quiting cigs many times and failed. Since I started vaping 1 month back, I havent bought any analogs.... This proves ecigs are highly effective in helping people stop smoking the 4000 toxic chemicals in analogs.

 

[Petrodus]

I would leave the united states if they blanket banned. That or become a terrorist.

NSA ... Need I say more ??

 

[pumpkinhead959]

Why not ban every single thing that resemble a tobacco products? Then see the outcome..

Sent from my ME371MG using Tapatalk 4

 

[TyPie]

It's amazing that cigarette sales are ok and that less harmful vape products are not. No research, no second thoughts for health reasons. Just banned.

So sorry to hear that citizens there need to hide the fact that they are doing all that they can to fight cigarette addiction. It's reprehensible.

I would be willing to bet very heavily that BT is very, very deep in the pockets of the politicians there, and greasing palms and the path for such 'legislation' with gobs and gobs of currency / cash / moolah / goodies / bennies / perks. (Pretty much like they do here, btw....)

 

[Aryza]

Singapore should just ban the usage of pencil or pens too? It most certainly resembles a tobacco product (Analog cigarettes duh? Same shape)

 

[nicetucu]

My sister lives there with her husband and three daughters. He is an exec in the casino business. It's sad that Singapore is such a beautiful safe place to live, but too many laws and harsh punishments. They charge people $80,000 (I think this is correct , but not positive) for a 5 year license to be able to drive a car. This is just the cost of driving, does not include the car lol. They charge citizens to gamble in their casino's , if you're a tourist it's free because they don't want their citizens to gamble. The list goes on and on...

I would love to visit such a beautiful country, but scares the crap out me. I understand it is probably the safest place to live in the world, but at what cost. Spend 18 hours on a plane, then be on my best behavior just doesn't appeal to me. I would be paranoid the whole trip, plus I couldn't vape and would probably start smoking again. blah.

 

[RickAppling]

I disagree, that is purely anecdotal. Plus the practice is too recent. If cigarettes had been introduced only a few years ago and was just now catching on they might be considered fairly safe. And how many times have we heard the praises of something like Laetril Being sung. Only to later fadeaway. That said e-cigs are almost certainly safer than analogs.

They mention ecig has not been proven safe - Here we are, the living examples and evidence to prove otherwise.

 

[RosaJ]

Well, hm, somebody is probably making a lot of money in the black market.

 

[e-pipeman]

I just hope that you can all vape happily and safely without someone attaching nasty stuff to your gonads.

Very often governments want to tax your pleasure. They also pretend to believe in your health.

If they really meant it tobacco would be illegal tomorrow.

 

[R3AL1Z3]

This has most likely already been discussed multiple times, but Im sure Big Tobacco has a hand in all of this.