When I took a look at my site recently, I saw that there is an ad for “e-cigarettes.” I remember when my husband was trying to quit, he asked me if it was ok if he buy some. At that point, I had never heard of them before, so I told him that it would probably be safer to get more information, and find reviews, but cold turkey was probably the best bet.
I have to admit that I used to be a “social smoker,” (if that is even a real term) but that was in my indiscriminate days and is but a distant memory. Quitting cold turkey is the best way, but that’s just from limited experience.
Anyway, when I saw this ad on my site, I decided that I would do a little bit of research into their health and safety, because I would not want to support something that is dangerous. These electronic cigarettes were spurred in response to laws banning indoor smoking, and are pretty controversial at the moment.
Upon my research, I found an article from early 2009 discussing how hazy the FDA is on these particular cigarettes. Apparently there is no real scientific data on the e-cigaretes besides lots of promises that since there is no smoke that it will not cause cancer.
Maybe it’s just me, but I think there is a burden of proof that someone must provide, especially since nicotine is an addictive substance. My only question is who should carry this burden of proof? It’s certainly not up to the consumer, as they are simply looking to satiate their habit without breaking laws. Should it be the company? Or perhaps the FDA should regulate these cigarettes that have no proof of being “healthier” than smoking actual cigarettes.
What do you think? Have you had any experience with e-cigarettes? Have you tried to quit smoking? Are there any smoking bans in your area? I don’t think it’s a federal ban yet, but I may be wrong.
~Hale Mom
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know enough about e-cigs. Have seen them but didn’t know what they were even all about. We live in Dallas area and in Dallas proper there is a ban on smoking in all restaurants, which I love. I am not a smoker and I hate having to sit in a big cloud while I am eating. But I have other addictions. I like sugar way too much, so I can understand how hard any addiction can be. Great post, as always!
The e-cig may not be harmless, but it’s definitely a better alternative then the traditional cig. It gives the smoker the satisfaction he craves without all the harmful materials. It’s a must try for all smokers.
A lot of people are trying to keep the idea alive that electronic cigarettes are bad for you. But the truth of the matter is, that so many former smokers are able to move away from the enslavement of tobacco cigarettes, that the facts are starting to speak for themselves. The electronic cigarette is giving many smokers the ability to overcome their addiction to these cancer causing tobacco implements, by giving the “smoker” a hit of nicotine vapor, and without the toxic agents that are known carcinogens.
Do these electronic cigarettes really feel like the real thing? I watched a video at this website but don’t know what to think. Are there any real smokers out there that aren’t promoting a product that can tell me what you really think?