Trend Story #5

Electronic cigarettes are becoming a popular device as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes. They don’t produce smoke, therefore can be used in anywhere from airplanes to bars. The E-cigarettes are being marketed as a safer alternative to regular tobacco cigarettes, and many E-cigarette companies are claiming that their product provides a more effective way to help consumers rid their smoking addiction.

Although much of the public who are aware of the E-cigarettes have accepted the idea of the less toxic nicotine alternative, the Food and Drug Administration are very skeptical. The FDA has not approved the E-cigarettes to be any less health harmful than tobacco cigarettes.

Considering the numerous manufacturers of E-cigarettes, there are many different variations of the product. The FDA explains on its Website that there is no quality control for the devices and that no tests have been submitted to the FDA that proves they are less harmful, or that they can help wean a smoker off of nicotine.

“Propylene glycol bas been found as an ingredient in the nicotine cartridges,” said Doctor of Pharmacology, James Knott. “There is a toxicity associated with propylene glycol. It is found in antifreeze and taking in too much can cause respiratory exasperation.”

Electronic cigarettes have been being sold in the United States now for approximately two years. They can be purchased in many smoke shops and malls throughout the country. The most abundant marketing and sales for the electronic devices are found on the internet due to the several different international electronic cigarette manufacturers. Free trials are offered through many online retailers, and curious potential buyers can test an E-cigarette at most smoke shops.

Dr. Knott noted that it may be very possible for someone who is interested in quitting smoking to be able to use this device to do so because of the option of different nicotine level cartridges. Gradually one could taper their usage rid the unhealthy habit.

The E-cigarette is a reusable gadget constructed of a battery, atomizer and a replaceable nicotine filled cartridge. The battery powers and LED light to emulate the burning tip and starts the atomizer that creates a vapor of the liquid nicotine contained in the cartridge that is then sucked through by the user.

“It is an unusual feeling at first because the tip is metal,” said Amy Hjelt after she tested an E-cigarette at a local smoke shop. “You have to inhale much harder, but the vapor doesn’t feel as harsh compared to actual smoke.”

Big Smoke smoke shop in Moscow Idaho has carried the electronic smoking device for approximately six months. An employee reported that they are not as popular as the traditional tobacco cigarettes but there is still somewhat of a demand for the electronic look alike.

Since the E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco there is no age restriction for using them. The replaceable cartridges come in a range of nicotine levels and are also offered in many different flavors, including chocolate, mint and pineapple. The issue of no restrictions and tempting tastes raises many concerns that minors will seek out the device that delivers the very addicting drug of nicotine.




SOURCES

Dr. James Knott (360) 428-2752 Face-to-face interview

Big Smoke Employee (didn’t want name included in story) (208) 882-7441 Face-to-face interview

Amy Hjelt (360) 708-6349 Face-to-face interview

www.FDA.gov
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm172906.htm