Debate Over E-Cigarettes Heats Up

Posted: 9th May 2009 by ê¿ê in The World
Tags: E-cigarette ban by FDA, FDA, nicotine, smoking
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Unlit filtered cigarettes
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Electronic or E-Cigarettes are battery operated devices that heat up a mix of proylene glycol (a commonly found substance in many foods and cosmetics) and water and passes the resultant vapor through a cartridge that can contain nicotine delivering the nicotine to the user in the vapor. It is made to look like a cigarette, but is a bit larger and heavier.

Unlike a cigarette, there is almost no odor and thousands fewer chemicals entering the “smokers’” body. There is no second hand “smoke” to be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity of the “smoker”.

So, it sounds like the perfect solution for smokers who just can’t give up ncotine or the routine of smoking, yet the FDA is moving to ban it.

Now mind you, none of it’s components are indivually banned by the FDA, so why does this government agency perceive the E-Cigarette to be dangerous to human health?

“We’re concerned about the potential for addiction to and abuse of these products,” says FDA spokeswoman Rita Chappelle. “Some people may mistakenly perceive these products to be safer alternatives to conventional tobacco use.”

My question to the FDA is if you’re concerned about addiction to nicotine, then why aren’t cigarettes and cigars banned?

“Like a traditional cigarette, this product is not intended to produce a therapeutic effect,” says Walt Linscott, legal counsel for Smoking Everywhere Inc. “It is not a drug, if you will. This is an adult smoking experience, and it should be thought of and regulated in that similar construct.”

“I think there’s a lot of possibilities; it’s intriguing,” says Thomas Glynn with the American Cancer Society. “But it needs to go through some rigorous testing before the public health community would feel comfortable with it.”

The FDA’s investigation is ongoing and they are under pressure from New Jersey Democrat Senator Frank Lautenburg to ban the devices until they are proven to be safe.

Ok — I’m good with testing. I know that when my 77 year old boss walked in the office the other day puffing on one of these things, I was a bit horrified at the thought of him breathing in pure nicotine. Some warning bell went off in my head asking if it was safe.

So chime in here guys and gals. I know some of you are quitting smoking – did you check into this before you chose the method you’re currently using? Debbie, Chilly?

Is the E-Cigarette a suitable and safe alternative to smoking for those who cannot give up the habit?

Should the FDA have jurisdiction over whether or not it’s allowed in the US?

If not the FDA, then what agency should if any?

ê¿ê

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  1. Howard Shapiro says:
    May 9, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    Thank you for the words of wisdom and the thought provoking question. Your question leads me to my question, one I ask constantly, if we need a Government that protects ourselves from ourselves? Anyone with any sense knows that the electronic cigarette is not worse for you than a tobacco cigarette. Therefore, why the selective protection? The answer is likely related to $$$$$$. Can we safely allow the selective care provided by our Government anymore than the selective enforcement of the Bill of Rights. There is a serious danger when we condone selective Governmental involvement in our lives! Who gets to select?

    • ê¿ê says:
      May 10, 2009 at 7:42 am

      Howard — gosh your question sparks off many responses in me. I’m a Republican at heart and definitely believe in smaller government! I do believe the FDA is going about this particular thing in a convoluted manner, but some of that is due to tobacco not being under their purview until just recently (this past week in fact). There is a lot to consider. Testing the device is definitely in order. There is already scientific proof that nicotine use is addictive. Now just exactly what benefits versus negative side effects is probably not fully known which is why testing of just nicotine inhalation is needed. Until now, I believe it’s been presumed that the tars and other chemicals present in tobacco are the culprit in lung disease and studies of just nicotine have not been done.

      I think we need an agency to do the research on these products that are being developed to help us understand the implications of using them. I’m not sure we need government to tell us and regulate us in whether we SHOULD use them. Even God gave humans free will.

      • Howard Shapiro says:
        May 12, 2009 at 8:54 am

        Thanks for the reply. We are basically in accord with each other. I also agree testing is a good idea. In addition, it is valuable for us to have this information to consider when making OUR decisions. The key being the word “OUR”. I am a life long Republican that lately has been questioning what it means to be one. I have concluded that I am really a Librepublican (Libertarian Republican). I don’t think I have changed but it is the Republican party that has moved toward the Center and beyond. Smaller Government should be smaller in every way. We, I think I speak for both of us, believe that the Governemnt should limit its’ size and scope as it pertains to all aspects of our lives.

        • ê¿ê says:
          May 12, 2009 at 9:08 am

          Howard — I consider myself a moderate conservative. Labels irregardless, I tend to gravitate towards the middle ground that either parties express pretty much no matter the subject. I’ve worked since I was old enough to have a job and have never bewailed that fact. Even when I retire, I’ll still be doing something that most would consider “work” although I’ll be doing it in my own time instead of at someone elses’ behest.