Pros and Cons of Electronic Cigarettes Article

I just finished reading a great article from About.com COPD that really looks into the Pros and Cons of electronic cigarettes from an outside perspective that has done it’s research.  The real problem is that we, as electronic cigarette believers, have so little real evidence to work with.

But a couple of Deborah Leader’s points for Pro’s are:

• In a case study series, the e-cigarette was found to help three study participants — who all had a documented history of repeated failed attempts at smoking cessation using professional smoking cessation assistance methods — quit smoking and remain abstinent for at least 6 months.
• During an online survey conducted in 2010, researchers polled visitors of websites and discussion forums dedicated to the use of the e-cigarette and smoking cessation. Of the 3,587 participants, 70% were former smokers, 61% were men, and the median age was 41 years. On average, participants used the e-cigarette for approximately 3 months, drew 120 puffs/day, and used 5 cartridges/day. Almost all of them used cartridges that contained nicotine. Ninety-six percent said that the e-cigarette helped them quit smoking, while 92% said that it made them smoke less. A majority of the participants said the e-cigarette helped them fight cravings, cope with withdrawal symptoms, and avoid relapsing on cigarettes.

And a couple of cons are:

• A 2010 research paper published in Tobacco Control suggests that the e-cigarette lacks important regulatory factors, such as essential health warnings, proper labeling, clear instructions on how to use them, and safe disposal methods. The authors of the study also found that some of the e-cigarette cartridges leaked, which could cause toxic exposure to nicotine.
• On their website, the FDA states that states that “E-cigarettes may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans, and may contain other ingredients that may not be safe.” They also suggest that because e-cigarette manufacturers are not required to submit clinical study data to them, the public has no way of knowing “whether e-cigarettes are safe for their intended use, what types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals are found in these products, or how much nicotine they are inhaling when they use these products.” The FDA is also concerned that the marketing efforts of e-cigarettes may increase addiction to nicotine, especially in young people, encouraging them to experiment with real tobacco products.

I encourage you to read this simple, fascinating article that articulates my concerns as well “Are they practicing safe methods when making the Electronic Cigarette I’m about to puff on?”.  This is one of my biggest concerns.  I like feeling safe and secure knowing that the products I’m using were made following some strict guild lines and if the product doesn’t meet those high standards, I’ll never get them delivered to my door.  And is this really being in forced?  It’s nice to post it on your site, but is this really being followed?

And “Can you please give some instructions on how many times I’m suppose to puff on these things?”.  I mean, I KNOW how to use them, but how many puffs?  I made myself light-headed a few times the first few days before I realized “Oh, that’s probably to many puffs in one sitting.”  So, just so you know, I go 4-5 puffs then I put it down until I get a big craving.  It seems about 12-15 puffs is suppose to equal a regular cigarette.

Also, please stop trying to get kids on these, if you are that is, is my message to the e-cig sellers.  There are millions of smokers that want to be ex-smokers you can target.  And by the way, smoking is not really “Cool” right now, so no need to go ultra hip on your marketing.

Again, read it here if you haven’t already.