E-Cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes and the FDA Ban
68What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette also known as an electronic cigarette is a battery powered device used as an alternative to smoking by traditional means such as: cigarettes, pipes or cigars. An e-cigarette works by delivering a dose of nicotine to the user by means of a propylene glycol / nicotine solution in the form of a vapour that is inhaled.
The vapour from an electronic cigarette is similar in taste to the smoke inhaled from a traditional cigarette or other tobacco product and induces the same physical reaction. Usually resembling a tubular construction not dissimilar to a pen the e-cigarette is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional methods of smoking and as an aid to assist with giving up smoking.
The nicotine solution used within electronic cigarettes is also known as ‘e-Liquid’ and is predominantly made up of an organic substance known as ‘Propylene glycol’ (Propane-1,2-diol). Propylene glycol is a sweet colourless liquid that can be found in products such as: Moistuizer, toothpaste, mouth wash, food additives, fragrant oils, and antifreeze.
Other substances found within e-Liquid include: Glycerol, organic acid, tobacco essence and of course Nicotine itself. eLiquid is available in various concentrations from high doses to simulate the Nicotine levels of a regular cigarette, to lower dosage levels to assist with quitting smoking, or containing no Nicotine at all.
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes and the e-liquid they contain are available in a variety of different flavours, some designed to simulate traditional smoking methods such as tobacco or menthol flavour, other flavours available include: strawberry, orange, and vanilla, whilst yet more e-cigarette brands attempt to mimic the tastes of popular cigarette brands such as Marlboro and Camel.
The FDA Ban
Currently the e-cigarette is the subject of much debate, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pushing towards a ban of e-cigarettes based on the fact that e-cigarettes are not an approved method of quitting smoking such as Nicotine patches and gum are. The FDA has stated that: “We have detained and refused approval to several such products on the grounds that they were unapproved new drugs.” The World Health Organisation has also condemned the e-cigarette as being an illegitimate means of tobacco withdrawal therapy and has questioned the safety of e-cigarettes. This is despite the fact that the e-liquid used within e-cigarettes contains over 4000 less chemicals than standard cigarettes, and that all of the substances contained within e-liquid have individually been approved by the FDA.
Success stories posted by those who have used the e-cigarette as a means of quitting are numerous, with statements such as “After one day I went from smoking 1 ½ to 2 packs a day to not smoking at all" and “I quit after thirty years, with an electronic cigarette” being commonplace.
Talks of corruption within the FDA are widespread due to the fact that the e-cigarette is not a product developed by a large pharmaceutical group but was invented within China in 2004, and many are not happy about the FDA’s attempts to criminalize a product that has the potential to save millions of lives.
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Comments
Yep, nothing like a cigarette after a meal, or three or four cigarettes with a pint down the pub. I've not used one of these e-cigarettes but would be curious to give one a try to see how close it comes to the real thing. But for now I think i'll just stick to rolling one up. :)
very informative hub everythjing is now e--
It certainly is, I'm looking forward to the day that I never have to leave the house or mix with another real-life person ever again. ;)
Actually, I was a smoker and I use this product. The e-cigarette does simulate the feeling perfectly. The taste is way different, but the sensation is exact.
I went from one pack a day to nothing. I haven't smoked a traditional cigarette since January, when I bought the thing.
Thanks Journeyman, that's good info, because to be honest I think it's the sensation of smoking that I actually like best, it's pretty rare that I have a cigarette and think 'that tasted great!', felt good, yes, tasted good, no.
I still haven't gotten around to buying an e-cig yet, but the success stories are definitely encouraging, thanks for sharing, and congratulations on giving up!
My husband made the switch to e-cigs the first of May. He's sold on them. It's a great alternative for smokers. I have written a hub on it as well. The push for them is too great for them to fade away. The FDA is funny about them, but that's primarily because of a push by tobacco companies who are feeling a tad uncomforable right now. We just need to spread the word. It'll only take a couple of high profile people being for them to help this along. Leonardo DiCaprio is one.
I got one a e cig to use while visiting my daughter mid May. I've got 5 cartons on regular cigarettes in my freezer and I haven't touched them.
I don't use the liquid with nicotine. It's always been the act of smoking I've enjoyed. I pray they don't ban them because I dread going back to tobacco use.
They do need to make it clear that the e cig is not under the ban. I no longer need to go to smoking areas and government shouldn't put me in jeopardy by making me.
Kcc ask for influentual people to speak up. Well our President, Barrack Obama had one givin to him as a gift by a congressmen to help him quit. I bet he's smoking it right now in the oval office. But I bet you wont here that on CNN.
Check this out, Google "phillip morris fda" you will learn that not only does phillip morris praise the ant smoking bill which the fda is using to attack electric cigarettes they CO AUTHERED IT!!! this is no joke. This knoledge allows you to very clearly see what is happening here. The fda is not here to help us be safe they are here to help us die at the hands of phillip morris the makers of Marlboro.
I'm in agreement with MrVoodoo here, the electronic cigarette mimicks the act of smoking perfectly. I think the taste is A LOT better though. I use the Marlboro flavor fluid and it is GOOD! I also agree with "just da facts" that the whole FDA ban is BS. It's all to keep people buying cigarettes and paying that huge cigarette tax! Our government only sees us as a money tree. Contact your State Representatives and tell them how you feel. Believe it or not they do work for us and we DO have a voice in law making. Our silence is detrimental to the survival of our nation. Do SOMETHING!
-Warren Bottoms
Good hub. I'm sold on the e-cig!
Here is some info I found from googling "nicotine in food"...
Nicotine at several ppm was detected in the dehydrated fresh produce of the Solanaceae species including tomato, potato peel, eggplant and green pepper. Its identity was verified by GLC, TLC and CC-mass spectrometry. The presence of nicotine in all parts of the tomato plant suggested biosynthetic origin. In contrast, the 2 to 23 ppm nicotine found in green tea.
Now I understand why my doctor was telling me certain foods to eat to help me quit smoking including tomatoes. Nicotine is found in all parts of the tomato plant.. Interesting. Does this mean I am risking my life when I eat tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and green peppers not to mention green tea? Shouldnt the FDA be banning these vegetables for containing a new drug called nicotine. The fact that the fda refers to nicotine as a new drug is comical in itself. Science tells us that all of these things are good for us. They say that tomatoes and green tea actually helps prevent cancer yet they contain nicotine. The fact is nicotyine raises blood pressure which can lead to a stroke so it is dangerous right? so why do they tell us these nicotine containing veggies are so good for us and a couple of them prevent cancer. Well I guess if they help prevent cancer and contain nicotine I guess it is safe to say nicotine does no0t cause cancer. Should I be scared to eat these veggies since nicotine will kill me? Science says no eat them and you will be healthier. In conclusion... How dangerous is nicotine really??? I think a lot safer than tobacco itself. Another thought... why dont they derive the nicotine from the tomato plant to make nicotine to prove a point to the fda and the world. No one will ever say a tomato is dangerous yet it has nicotine.
I bought an ECIG and I absolutely LOVE it. I'm in the military, in medicine at that, and having the lungs of my patients HEALTHIER is a very, VERY good thing. DO NOT BAN ECIGS!!!!
men are dorks says:
7 months ago
Bull. If you are a smoker nothing compare to the feeling of inhaling all those wonderful harmfull substances.
Ask any smoker and they will tell you that cigarette after a meal or whilst having a drink or a coffee, nothing beats the stimuli.
yeah, I agree smoking is bad, but so is alcohlol. why do you think are there so many users? It's the feeling of relaxation. n matter what substance you use or abuse...