Summary: The Rise Of E-Cigarettes

One of my first memories in the United States was taking a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) class. I was in sixth grade and a top student, as talking about drugs and alcohol and the way they affect us was fascinating to me. This is why, the following year, I volunteered to become a peer educator in Teens Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U). For a couple of years, I gave presentations to young students which included facts, demonstrations, and games, to spread the knowledge that tobacco is harmful and that staying away from smoking prolongs life expectancy and increases the quality of life. It should come as no surprise, then, that I consider myself a big proponent of staying tobacco-free and encouraging others to quit smoking as a great way to promote health. I remember watching my mom and sister as they took part in their nightly ritual of smoking a few cigarettes to unwind. “Did you know that a main component of cigarettes is used as rocket fuel?” I would ask them, as I opened the window and they stared back at me blankly. “We know, we know” was the answer every time. I knew that convincing them to quit was no easy task, but I was committed. Day after day, I proudly stated a new fact about the evils of smoking. Finally one day, they quit. At first, they attributed it to the cost. Since we had just immigrated to the United States, the cost of cigarettes was simply not something they could afford. I didn’t believe it. I proudly

The e-cigarette format, however, does not eliminate concerns regarding public and individual health risks. The World Health Organization has called for e-cigarette usage to be monitored in the same way as more conventional tobacco products,(23) the US FDA is advocating for more research,(24) and there has been a dramatic increase in analyses of the chemical, physiological, psychological and socio-cultural aspects of e-cigarettes.(2-7,9-12,14-21,24-52)

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

It is great that Florida legislation proposed a bill to include e-cigarettes and vaping into their smoking ordinance. I am a hospice nurse and wonder what the effect will be on people who choose to use e-cigarettes as opposed to regular cigarettes. Both contain nicotine. So I agree that using a preventative measure by revising the smoking ordinance will protect public health. Unfortunately, it will probably be many years before we know about the harm and danger that come from e-cigarettes and vaping.

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.

The second statement I agree with is that the popularity of electronic cigarettes is growing faster than our ability to clearly understand its effects. Many traditional smokers went to e-cigarettes for a variety of reasons: the smell/oder, health consequences, healthcare costs, restrictions as to when and were a user can smoke, the differences in expenses, and smokers were informed that electronic cigarettes were safer regarding the health of themselves and others. Butane is no longer a neccessity when lighting up and smokers do not have to worry about a hot cherry that can burn themselves, other people, or things. Hence, the risk of fire hazzards will decrease with the use of electronic cigarettes; which is the most beneficial aspect pertaining to smoking because cigarettes are the number one cause of fire-related death in the United States and seven other countries.

Tobacco use is a major threat to public health. Lung cancer and heart disease are the major causes of mortality and morbidity among smokers. In addition to that, second hand and even third hand exposure to tobacco smoke represents a risk of cardiovascular disease developments. With the increased awareness of these risks, a trend towards smoking cessation started years ago. As part of this alteration electronic cigarettes were initially introduced to the U.S market in 2006 as a healthier alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes, and as a smoking cessation aid. Since their introduction to the market, e-cigarettes had widespread success among smokers, non-smokers, pregnant females and even youth, their sales increased by 1437% since 2008.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, were invented in 2004 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik following his father’s death from lung cancer (CASAA, 2012). With the intention of offering a safer alternative to traditional tobacco, 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 liquid into a vapor which is inhaled by the user. E-cigarettes, now readily available in convenience stores, mall kiosks and gas stations, come in many forms ranging from disposable cigarette-like devices to pen-like refillable devices with flavors such as bubblegum, chocolate and mint (TCLC, 2011; NIH, 2014). The speed with which e-cigarettes have gained popularity across the U.S. has placed manufacturers, tobacco control lobbyists and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at odds regarding the regulation of sales, marketing and use of the devices (TCLC, 2011).

The Los Angeles Times states: “Electronic Cigarettes are either a potent weapon in war against tobacco, or they are insidious menace that threatens to get kids hooked on nicotine and make smoking socially acceptable again” (Morin). E-cigarettes are now becoming more widespread, especially among young people. The electronic cigarette industry is growing rapidly in the United States due to the rising demand, which is stirring up opinions and research among the masses. While supporters argue that it is a safer and cheaper way of smoking and helpful for quality tobacco, opponents argue it 's harmful and addictive.

The popularity of alternative ways smoking like electronic cigarettes or vapor cigarettes is growing leaps and bounds with each passing days. Though no solid scientific or medical studies and data have been published yet, in support of the electronic cigarettes, but still it seems there are millions of takers worldwide.

In 2012, a European Commission study on awareness of e-cigarettes concluded that two-thirds of Europeans, with a higher likelihood among young males, were familiar with e-cigarettes (GCRC 13). Most e-cigarettes users, however, are current or former conventional cigarette users, because not only are e-cigarettes a healthy substitute for conventional cigarettes, but studies have also shown that e-cigarettes assist with the cessation of them. Despite the potential benefits, it is still apparent that more scientific studies are needed in order to learn about the side effects, ingredients, and to regulate product quality of e-cigarettes. (GCRC 8).

Research indicates that there are benefits of using Electronic cigarettes rather than traditional cigarettes, some of which are obvious, such as they reduce the risk of starting a fire. Electronic cigarettes were designed to mimic the smoking experience by delivering nicotine without tar (Rom, et al. 2015). Based on various surveys conducted on Electronic cigarette smokers there appears to be a general belief that Electronic cigarettes are beneficial for smoking cessation and that this particular method of nicotine replacement therapy is less harmful for health than traditional cigarettes (Rom, et al. 2015).

Results of survey studies indicate that the general belief among users and non-users is that “e-cigarettes” are safer than conventional cigarettes, less addictive, and can be used to help reduce cigarette smoking (Harrell et al. 2015). However, there is an additional factor that can be causing

E cigarettes seem to be the new latest attraction within the tobacco industry, wherever it is shown it is promoted as something positive. It is like a playback of the beginning of cigarettes but now “healthier”. How true is this statement? Well to answer this question one must research where does America run to in order to confirm that a drug is in fact a healthy alternative. This somewhere is the Food and Drug Administration.

E-cigarette is believed to greatly reduce on the health effects associated with tobacco smoking. However, e-cigarette has been criticized as a leading cause of smoking among the youth due to its flavor as well as its novel appearance and campaigns. It is also believed to pose some health risks. Despite such drawbacks, e-cigarette has recently gained a lot of popularity and subsequent growth.