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Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 27 Jun 2012 - 6:00 PDT
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Article opinions:Â 18 postsDespite all the alarming health problems associated with smoking tobacco cigarettes, many people today are addicted and cannot find a way to give up permanently. The E-cigarette, or electronic cigarette, is a healthier alternative that many heavily addicted smokers have switched over to, says the E-cigarette industry.
However, the industry has yet to produce results of large-scale randomized human studies to back their claims.
When citing examples of how electronic cigarettes have helped people quit tobacco smoking, the industry uses anecdotal evidence, usually citing well known individuals, rather than statistically convincing data. In a press release this week, The Electronic Cigarette Hub wrote:
"E-cigarettes have already helped thousands of people, including actress Katherine Heigl. Users say it looks and feels like smoking a real cigarette. The E-cigarette even has the glowing red tip; but unlike a tobacco cigarette, it produces an odorless water vapor - there is no smoke; you don't light it."
E-cigarettes, or vapor cigarettes, work by superheating a cartridge that gives the smoker a dose of nicotine in the form of water vapor. This vapor can be flavored with cherry, chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, and menthol. The body absorbs the nicotine and then exhales this water vapor, which the industry claims leaves no harm to the person or its surroundings. Sellers of E-cigarettes say the water vapor has no chemicals or carcinogens (cancer causing substances) - it cannot cause second-hand harm to others or the environment - i.e. there is no second hand smoke (passive smoking).
A survey carried out by researchers from the University of Alberta, School of Public Health found that most E-cigarette users are switching over as a complete replacement for cigarettes.
The following is a quote provided by The Electronic Cigarette Hub - James Kenton from Pittsburg, PA, switched to e cigs and could not be happier.
"I made the switch to e-cigarettes and it is the best decision I have ever made. I feel great and am not waking up congested or short of breath anymore. My family is very proud of me and so am I. I no longer smell like an ashtray and do not have to worry about the smell bothering my son when I am holding him. My wife also seems to want to get a little closer to me more often also. I m so thankful for the creation of e-cigarettes."
Although James Kenton appears to have benefited greatly, this is not scientific proof that the benefits of E-cigarettes far outweigh possible harms.
The industry adds that by switching to e-cigarettes, smokers will be able to use their new smoke-free device in restricted areas where tobacco smoking is forbidden, such as bars, hotel rooms, airports, and restaurants.
The Electronic Cigarette Hub claims that with these devices the user's teeth will not turn yellow and lungs will not be damaged, because they contain no tar or other harmful toxins.
The controversy regarding benefits or adverse effects of electronic cigarettes
Health organizations and researchers have diverging opinions and concerns regarding the benefits and potential harms of E-cigarettes. There are very few scientifically-controlled studies of E-cigarettes because of their relatively recent invention and even more recent popularity.In many US states and countries around the world, legislation related to E-cigarettes are either unclear, or vary widely.
Anti-smoking groups wonder whether these devices might appeal to non-smokers, resulting in an increase in nicotine addiction. A significant number of scientists and lay people would like the industry's claim of safety to be scientifically tested.
Proponents of E-cigarettes say that all tobacco smokers were initially non-smokers, therefore concern about the consequences of E-cigarettes for current non-smokers should be compared to current non-smokers who eventually take up tobacco smoking.
The AAPHP (American Association of Public Health Physicians), in April 2010, said that it supported the sale of E-cigarettes to adults "because the possibility exists to save the lives of four million of the eight million current adult American smokers who will otherwise die of a tobacco-related illness over the next twenty years." The Association emphasized that it is definitely against the sale of these devices to people under 18 years of age, and that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) should reclassify E-cigarettes as tobacco products rather than a drug/device combination. Many wonder how this is possible, because the devices contain no tobacco.
Electronic cigarettes are probably the only legal recreational products that require inhalation - most others are sold at pharmacies and are aimed at alleviating symptoms of a condition or illness, such as a bad cold or asthma. The exception being tobacco products, which are legally consumed in various ways, including smoke inhalation. Burning scents for their pleasant and relaxing smells does not require placing something in your mouth and deliberately inhaling, as is the case with electronic and tobacco cigarettes.
Surely, a large-scale study comparing the harms and benefits of E-cigarettes with smoked tobacco would at least put to rest current doubts regarding these products as purely an alternative for current tobacco cigarette smokers. A 12-month large scale study comparing E-cigarettes to various smoking cessation techniques would also provide useful and interesting data.
A large-scale study of electronic cigarettes is needed
In February this year, an electronic cigarette exploded while a man was using it, knocking out some of his teeth and causing serious skin burns on his face, according to officials from North Bay Fire Department, Florida. (Link to article)
Written by Sarah Glynn B.A. (psych)
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
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Visitor Opinions (latest shown first)
Puritan Medicine
posted by Lawrence P Strohmeyer, D.O. on 27 Jun 2012 at 8:17 amI worry about a culture that tries to undermine a health risk reducing strategy like e-cigs.
Nicotine dependency, like caffeine dependency, has few inherent medical risks in comparison to true recreational substances of abuse. And there are well known psychiatric benefits such as improved attention and concentration.
In an ideal world I suppose we could imagine the theoretical benefits of freedom from all compulsive health risking behaviors. But we have studied the effects of inhaling combusted tobacco ad nauseum and know the consequences well. I'm waiting for the medical studies that explain the benefits of nicotine use and provide guidelines on how to best dose and deliver it to patients who seem to need it.
Beyond that we should realize that using nicotine is pleasurable. I suspect that the true concern about e-cig use is a consequence of our absurd puritanical mores.
John Calvin's greatest worry: somewhere, somebody was having a good time.
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Why promote e-cigarettes
posted by Dr. Victor Saud on 27 Jun 2012 at 8:07 amThis articles seems to me like a promotional ad for e-cigarettes, disguised with some call for studies. Why is Medical News Today promoting a device that delivers an addictive drug?
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Not so expensive
posted by Bruce Keller on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:59 amToo bad you get your e-cigs from an expensive place. Buying mine at Sam's club (or even the local tobacco shop) the cartridges are only $2 a piece, and at least for Mistic brand, they last me a good 2 days of constant smoking.
You're probably having a hard time singing because all the gunk from smoking in the past is having time to finally catch up, so your airways are temporarily worse ; same applies for your infections.
After smoking the e-cigs for 7 months, I am finally nearing the end of my coughing stuff up phase, although it still happens in the morning, thankfully much much less than the first few months though.
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A fair balance
posted by Ruth Blair on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:59 amI cannot see anything negative. The lack of scientific evidence, (the Boston study is preliminary, and was never followed up) is a problem, which I believe the writer says would help ecigarette makers. If proof was shown that they are safer than tobacco smoking... A fair report.
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Former Skeptic of electronic cigarettes
posted by Brandon on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:50 amI usually pay no attention to wild claims about smoking cessation products, because I tried them all and none worked for me. Then came e-cigs. I wasn't intending on quitting - I simply wanted to try them to see what the hype was about and I am happy to say that I am 8 months smoke free because of them.
Plus, my bank account is all the happier as well.
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Nicotine bad - amphetamines good
posted by Amphetamines on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:48 amWhy is amphetamines being marketed to adults now? Not only is it dangerous to the user but everyone around them too.
Yes to magic brownies and nicotine and no to the FDA.
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Unfair Article Indeed
posted by Mew on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:34 amThe overall tone of this article is anti-ecig which is absurd. I quit smoking traditional cigarettes for over a year now. I got very sick for about two weeks, which from what i understand was the smoker's flu. My body was clearing out 5 years of disgusting buildups. After those two weeks, my workout habits improved as a result of more stamina, so I lost weight which means that my blood pressure is down and heart health is indeed better.
I don't smell like cigarettes, my car doesn't smell like cigarettes. I am using less nicotine than when i started the ecig, switching from .16 mg to .08mg and sometimes substituting 0 mg just to see if i am ready to drop it completely. If all of my friends didn't still smoke, I think this would be easier. And the money you save! I was spending probably about 45 dollars a week on cigarettes. now I drop about 40 a month on supplies and maybe another average of 5 a month on maintenance (battery fails, atomizer replacements).
I kn ow this is better than smoking cigarettes even the ones i was smoking with no preservatives. I am so angry with New Jersey for passing anti e-cig laws and the FDA for not jumping on this immediately. People make a fuss about propylene glycol also being found in anti-freeze, it is in many many other products and is as harmless as being near a fog machine (which uses propylene glycol). Sorry to rant but I am tired of all of the bad publicity. Let us do what makes us feel healthy, there is no mention in this article that there has also been no NEGATIVE reports on these devices or that nicotine inhalers have been around for years.
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SMoking ?
posted by sam on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:26 amSo what they're saying is it is ok to get drunk on booze and act like idiots, start fights on board, But No Smoking allowed, hmmmmm
DISCRIMNATION,This is not a health issue
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Poorly researched and misleading article.
posted by Milton on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:25 amI found this article to be lacking in detail and to be poorly researched. Boston University put out a 15+ page study of electronic cigarettes that was not referenced. The incident in Florida in February of this year referenced at the end of the email feels like an awkward after thought, also the device this man used was thought to have been a home made modification or specialized device and this is most likely why the device exploded.
The article was written in general terms and offers no specific or new information to the reader. It was written for the sake of being written only. If you care to write an interesting article, then perhaps you should research the head winds that the electronic cigarette industry is facing from tobacco companies, pharmaceutical companies and governments attempting to minimize it, or why the reluctance of the government to launch a full scale study into electronic cigarettes.
Also most good electronic cigarettes are sold online and not at pharmacies.
I have stopped smoking completely a year and a half ago, after twelve years of smoking a half a pack a day, I feel amazing and am a testament to the ability of e-cigs to potentially save lives, I would welcome a full scale study and responsible regulation of the industry and it’s companies to assure that the e-liquids being used are indeed safe.
Come on; MedicalNewsToday.com, be responsible and informative with your articles.
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They're saving my life
posted by Peg on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:23 amAfter smoking for almost 50 years, I've been tobacco free for almost two, thanks to e-cigs. While I would acknowledge completely the addictiveness of nicotine, I think that there must be other addictive properties in traditional cigarettes. I find that I don't have near the compulsion to puff on the e-cigs. I feel like these things are saving my life and am very grateful.
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Not the same as cigarettes
posted by Karen on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:23 amE-cigarettes are not the same as cigarettes but that is the point! I have not smoked a regular cigarette in 12 months and I was a pack a day smoker for 40 years. I use a huge battery and buy the juice to fill the atomizer and this has been a life saver. I used chantix and while that works well while your on it you still want a cigarette after you stop using it. Like most people, my insurance wouldn't cover it so I was shelling out 150.00 per month for the Chantix. I hope to be free of the electronic cig's in the future but I am not setting any deadlines.
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I have gone over completely to E cigarettes
posted by LC on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:14 amI have tried every "stop smoking" method over the last 45 years. For me, they were unsuccessful. Finally, I adopted "E cigarettes" or "Vaping" as it is known by we "Vapors". I have gone over completely to E cigarettes. I still occasionally have the urge to smoke a "real cigarette" but am able to resist the urge to smoke. I've noticed my breathing has improved and the other symptoms of smoking are gone. I fully realize nicotine has it's own adverse effects, but at least E cigarettes don't include the hundreds of toxic substances that real cigarettes contain. Now government will probably "regulate" them out of existence or drive the cost up. I would welcome studies to determine the advantages, if any, of E cigarettes. However, I don't support government treating cigarettes as dangerous just because nicotine is out of favor!
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worked for me!!! E cigarettes
posted by carrie on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:12 amI smoked for 40 years tried patches pills and even acupuncture and hypnosis, nothing worked even when they told me I had mild emphysema and asthma I smoked, I even bought an ecig but didn't use it much. Then one day I had had enough! I took out the esmoke and told myself that it was a tool and a tool only NOT A REPLACEMENT for cigs! Everytime the cravings got bad I cuffed it like the wind was blowing and took a nice long drag sometimes 2 that was enough to quell the urge and make me happy,
after a couple weeks I used it in the morning with my coffee only and a week after that I stopped completely! never looked back I no longer get cravings but if I do I know I have it, thing is I just don't need it!!! :)) been a long time it worked for me!
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Consumer Addicts
posted by Lee on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:12 amThe addiction business is alive and well and making a killing (literally). Mindless consumption, mindless Americans.
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E-cigarettes and other forms of getting nicotine
posted by Sandra Gonzalez on 27 Jun 2012 at 7:04 amI agree. The industry should pay for proper studies. I found the article well balanced and to the point. I tried e-cigarettes, but found I was inhaling all day long non-stop and eventually ended up with a very bad sore throat. I am now nicotine free and have not touched cigarettes, replacement nicotine products, or any tobacco product for 6 months.
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Don't buy the hype
posted by Will on 27 Jun 2012 at 6:56 amI have tried many different type of e-cigarettes. I have tried the cheap ones, the expensive ones, and gave each about a month. A few things to note:
1. Because I was able to smoke anywhere I actually increased my smoking(which thankfully I have cutdown now)
2. The vapor is not harmless. I sing in a band. While I was on the E-cigs I found that it was actually harder to sing and had a dryer mouth. I also got quite a few sinus infections, (which I hardly ever had with regular cigs)
3. Prices are not better. If you smoke like I do I was having to buy cartridges every day, at 8-9 dollars for the expensive or 4-5 for the cheap it was actually worse than buying a pack of cigs.
4. They do not taste like cigarettes. Some of us smokers are actually addicted to the taste of tobacco. Even the supposed "Tastes just like a cigarette" e-cigs do not give me a satisfied feeling when done, which leads me to smoking more.
All in all, I do not find e-cigs to be a valid alternative to cigarettes. Neither am I convinced of the safety of them. Any time you are breathing something into your lungs you are asking for trouble. Water vapors can lead to sinus infections, pneumonia, and other serious effects. Is it as bad as cancer? no. But it is definitely not safe enough to consider an alternative.
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Not a fair article
posted by David Goldberger on 27 Jun 2012 at 6:56 amIn this article you have cynical tone when talking about electronic cigarette and constantly say things like "the industry claims". You don't pose any counter evidence to the benefits of e-cigs, but you take a rather negative stance. The last statement of this article should be removed. It is out of place and context and you didn't explain what really happened. In addition to that being an absurd anomaly, the man stacked extra batteries in his e-cig and that's what caused it to malfunction.
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E-cigs change my habit and life.
posted by Shane on 27 Jun 2012 at 6:55 amI was a 3 pack a day smoker for 20 years. Wanted to quit but was so addicted not even prescription meds like CHANTIX worked.
Well to make it short , I have been smoke free for 8 months now. Love life again, no longer stink,,,and smoking does stink , I no longer can stand to be around the smell.
This is all because of the electronic cigarette I purchased 8 months ago.
And added plus , I have save 1,700.00 dollars not buying those nasty tobacco cigs .
Shane
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