Effective Smoking Cessation Tool or A New Way for Children to be Introduced to Nicotine?
Why We Need E-Cigarette Health Policy.
Background and Significance
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were originally developed in 2004 by the Chinese with the intention of offering a safer alternative to smoking traditional tobacco (CASAA, 2012). E-cigarettes quickly emerged in other markets around the world including Europe in 2006 and the United States (U.S.) by 2007 (TCLC, 2011). The device works via battery to heat liquid nicotine and an atomizer then turns the heated liquid into a gas that the person can inhale (NIH, 2014). E-cigarettes, now readily available in convenience stores, malls and gas stations, come in many forms ranging from
…show more content…
In a 2014 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poison centers reported that ingestions of e-cigarette liquids increased from one case per month to over 200 between 2010 and 2014 and over 50% of these reports involved children less than five years of age (CDC, 2014). With colorful packaging and appealing flavors of liquid nicotine refill cartridges, the likelihood of child poisonings will surely continue to rise. Lack of production regulation also results in varying strengths available from one liquid refill to the next. It could take as little as one to two drops of ingested nicotine liquid to cause serious illness in a child which could range from nausea, vomiting and confusion to bradycardia, hypotension, coma and cardiac arrest (Gupta, Gandhi & Manikonda, 2014). This increase in potentially life threatening ingestions is a major problem indicator proving the need for e-cigarette health policy to mandate regulation of e-cigarettes including production, ban of sales to minors, childproof packaging of liquid nicotine refills, and the ban of fruit and candy flavored products (Hudson, …show more content…
NPs are in a unique position of having expertise regarding the health effects of nicotine, as well as personal connections with patients who have suffered the consequences of nicotine addiction or even accidental ingestions. Communicating these opinions and experiences to inform legislators of the need for e-cigarette health policy is critical. In today’s age of the internet, it is easier than ever to do this via email and/or social media. Legislators want to hear from their constituents, especially those who have more expertise in an area than they do. The ban of all sales to minors across the country, as well as the prohibition of e-cigarette use in public buildings, banning the production of candy and fruit flavored products and mandating childproof packaging are all necessary policies that should be advocated for by
The popularity of e-cigarettes and vapes has grown exponentially within the last couple of years. These two alternatives offer a “safe” way to consume nicotine or just a substitute to regular cigarette smoking. These products omit water vapor instead of tobacco smoke, constructing it as less of a health risk. Nicotine can be added to the mixture to help quit smoking or offer a healthier option to those with nicotine dependence. There has not been widespread research on conventional e-cigarettes, in addition to data on vapes been relatively premature. These smoking devices have not be regulated by the FDA yet, but the FDA has looked into e-cigarettes and its contents (FDA, 2015). Many e-cigarettes that are thought to be free of nicotine, have
“ The true face of smoking is disease, death and horror – not the glamour and sophistication the pushers in the tobacco industry try to portray ”. – David Byrne. Smoking has been an habit in teenagers and adults for a very long time and it is well known that it is harmful for them as well for the environment. Technology has advanced, and now there are electronic cigarettes, called E-cigarette, which are devices with battery that carry nicotine heated aersosol in a fashion that imitates common cigarettes, while carrying lower levels of toxins than a conventional lit cigarette. They can be used indoors, which allows smokers to get their fix wherever and whenever they want. A study from NBC News (Leshae) shows that electronic cigarettes are a technique for smokers to try quitting their addictions. Manufacturers consider that e-cigarattes are healthier than normal tobacco cigarattes, since smokers are inhaling vaporized nicotine rather of carcinogen-filled smoke. However, according to a Thomas Jefferson University Alumni article, some reseachers have found harmful ingredients in certain e-cigarettes, such as ethylene glycol poisoning, a primary ingredient in brake fluid and antifreeze. E-cigarettes mey seem like a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, nevertheless there is some research that proves the contrary and we still don’t know its long term effect.
Even after “hitting” or inhaling the vapor of an electronic vaping device once, the nicotine “increases heart rate” which “constricts blood vessels” and may lead to a “heart attack or stroke” (Radcliff). Although these devices may be less dangerous than the traditional cigarette, the chemicals and nicotine within the vaporizing device can have deadly effects on the human body because the formaldehyde within the vaporizing device is highly toxic and can lead to suffocation of the lungs. If these apparatus’ were legalized for minors, young teens would easily be able to get their hands on these devices and face heart failure and cancer from damaged cells early on in their lives. As many Americans know, there is a direct correlation between cigarettes and lung cancer, so a myriad of health professionals and researchers fear e-cigarettes will “renormalize smoking” (“Time for E-Cigarette”). The nicotine and formaldehyde within these machines is highly addictive and it may lead to long term effects, or it may be a feeder into harder drugs. Legalization for minors could lead to a large percentage of Generation Z children struggling with cancer and heart disease in their
The nicotine warnings and child-resistant packaging for the liquid (which contains tobacco) for e-cigarettes is of great need. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking such regulation to ensure the safety of children across the nation. According to the docket, the proposed rule “seeks to extend the Agency’s ‘tobacco product’ authorities to those products that meet the statutory definition of ‘tobacco product,’ prohibiting the sale of ‘covered tobacco products’ to individuals under the age of 18, and requiring the display of health warnings on certain tobacco product packages and in advertisements” (The Food and Drug Administration, 2015).
An electronic cigarette, or E-cigarette, is a new form of tobacco product that is increasing in its popularity; it allows one to inhale a vapor in the same way one would smoke a traditional cigarette ("E-cigarettes and Lung Health"). Some people believe that E-cigarettes are better than cigarettes for various reasons, and this belief may be true. These claims do not mean, however, that E-cigs should be welcomed with open arms because of the risks still involved in them. E-cigarettes are dangerous, like tobacco, and their risks should be evaluated being that they are not a good choice for anyone. They should not be made accessible to teens because of the many dangers one can see just with a quick glimpse into E -Cigs. The first red flag one
Every year, an estimated 443, 000 Americans die of smoking related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also states “the leading cause of preventable death” is smoking. ("Smoking & Tobacco Use-Fast Facts”). Relatively new to the market are electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes. “Vaping”, as it is known by users, has become increasingly more attractive as an alternative to traditional, cancer causing, cigarettes. Although sales of e-cigarettes are estimated to reach $2 billion dollars (Dennis, Brady) this year, many Americans still have reservations about the safety of a new nicotine delivery system.
Four hundred years ago, tobacco was the first money-making crop in North America. Pipes and cigars were in demand and they are still on the market today, but it is not as popular as back in 1600. In 1800, cigarettes became popular up to this day. Cigarettes come in different brands, flavors, and strength of nicotine. Health organizations across the globe have fought many battles against cigarette smoking due to health risks. Nicotine patches, nicotine pills, and nicotine gums are just a few of the alternatives that doctors prescribe to smokers to help prevent the urge of smoking. However, more people are finding electronic cigarettes (e-cig) more comforting, helpful, and because it is a trend, many non-smokers started using e-cig. E-cig is a handheld battery operated device that vapors liquid that is composed of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. A person who uses e-cig is usually called “vaper”. Despite the high increase of the number of e-cig vapers, the safety and efficacy remain unclear.
tobacco users in the future. Education plays a critical role in early use of e -cigarettes
The powerful addictive properties of nicotine and of the ritualistic behaviour of smoking make smoking cessation a difficult task. Currently-approved products for smoking cessation have low long-term quit rates, with nicotine replacement therapy having less than 7% sustained abstinence rate, while oral medications have less than 20% quit rate at one year. Therefore, tobacco harm reduction strategies and products have been developed, with the goal to reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality burden by providing nicotine in a less harmful form. Electronic cigarettes are tobacco harm reduction products that may deal with both chemical through nicotine delivery and behavioural through motor simulation and sensory stimulation addiction to smoking. Awareness and use of Electronic cigarettes are growing exponentially, but there is controversy over their potential as smoking substitutes. Surveys have shown that they may be
During a time of increasing awareness of smoking cigarettes in public, a Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the first electronic cigarette in 2003.(Arnold,A247) Electronic cigarettes were introduced into the United States in 2007 and have become a popular alternative to smoking regular cigarettes.(McAuley,850) Though the market for E-cigarettes is small compared to traditional cigarettes, it has grown quickly over the past 3-5 years.(Lorrillard,9) E- cigarette use has gone up from barely 3% in 2010 to 11% in 2013(Silcox,19).
In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes, which are known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), has increased dramatically all over the world. It is believed by many that smokers are using ECs as an alternative way of smoking tobacco which have impacts on public health. While a diversity of definitions of the term e-cigarettes have been proposed, this essay will use the definition provided by Siobhan (2013), devices which permit smokers to inhale nicotine by evaporated liquid which be flavoured without burning tobacco. Furthermore, public health is about helping, protecting and improving the health communities from diseases threats by education, creating laws and doing researches. In this essay, the abbreviation ECs will be used to
The Idea, However, dates back to 1963 by Herbert A. Gilbert. Gilbert filed a patent for an electronic based cigarette. He was well aware of the health hazards brought by tobacco cigarettes. Unfortunately his proposal remained an idea due to the social acceptance in society and the lack of technological availability. Forty years later, around 2003, A Chinese pharmacist and tobacco cigarette user named, Han Lik, set to develop an electronic cigarette as a result of lung cancer claiming his father’s life. His procedures allowed users to obtain nicotine through inhalation without the use of tobacco, smoke, and the thousands of chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes. Lik’s employers were full supportive and took up the name Ruyon, which translates as “Like Smoke.” His electronic cigarette operated differently than the e–cigs we have today. He created the idea of utilizing a frequency, piezoelectric ultrasound-emitting element that would vaporize liquid nicotine within a pressurized jet. This design emitted a smoke like vapor that delivered nicotine. Electronic cigarettes have been shipped to the American Market around 2007, growing popular as time progressed. The World Health Organization became the first international organization to mention electronic cigarettes. Discussions of safety and health factors were avoided but proceeded to ban them from being
The general argument made by the New York Times’ Editorial Board in their work, “E-Smoking Among Teenagers,” is that the FDA needs to prohibit e-cig manufacturers from marketing and selling their wares to teens and children. More specifically, the Board argues that even child-enticing flavorings should be banned. They write, “The new rules ought to… outlaw flavorings clearly designed to entice children” (3). In this passage, the editors are suggesting that fruit- and candy-flavored e-cigs are a ploy to get minors vaping. In conclusion, the Board’s belief is that e-cigarettes should be banned from in any way enticing minors.
During the time between 2011 and 2014 the modern E- Cigarette became popular among teens and people age 20-30. Ever since, parents and coworkers have been questioning the safety of liquid vaporizing devices and if the government should regulate them. Vaporizers recently arrived to the market, therefore the US has been forced to put laws in place to restrict the age of those able to purchase and use these accessories. While there has not been any solid evidence that the act of liquid vaporizing is detrimental to one’s health, there is still speculation about problems with vaporizing, and ways to solve them.
Over 150 years later, the battle against sweetened tobacco rages on. In a 2009 press release, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) applauded a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “ban on candy, fruit and other flavored cigarettes” (2009). Currently, the CTFK (2014) and other concerned groups are urging the FDA to act on electronic cigarettes (ECs) and the nicotine-containing “e-liquids” used in the devices, specifically those with “sweet flavors that appeal to kids.” Though their intentions are admirable, such restrictions have the potential to harm both youth and adult smokers: the candy and fruit flavors of e-liquids are thought to be centrally important to ECs’ success in facilitating smoking cessation and thus should not be banned.