The E-Cigarette Option – A Healthier Alternative to Smoking

Over the past 5-10 years, Electronic cigarettes (or E-cigarettes) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. With E-cigarettes (sometimes called “E-cigs”), smokers are offered a great way to kick their tobacco habit; therefore eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke. In addition, Electronic cigarettes aren’t usually confined to the same legal restrictions like regular cigarettes – giving smokers a flexible substitute for smoking. Although recent efforts have been made by various groups to apply more stringent laws related to E-cigarettes, they haven’t been successful regarding complete enforcement. This will probably remain relatively unchanged although new laws are coming in! So smokers of E-cigarettes are likely to continue using this healthier alternative to tobacco use (as research suggests).

What are E-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated tubes that are capable of releasing vaporized nicotine. The smoker is therefore able to inhale the nicotine without inhaling thousands of dangerous chemicals inhaled in tobacco smoke. Usually an E-cigarette is comprised of a mouthpiece, an atomizer (which periodically needs to be replaced) and a rechargeable battery (usually a lithium-ion). However E-cigarettes are often reusable too and equipped with cartridges (the mouthpiece) which can be refilled with or without nicotine solution. If the smoker chooses a nicotine solution, the concentration of nicotine varies from low to high. Some contain an equivalent amount of nicotine as a regular cigarette, while others have little or no nicotine at all. As the smoker inhales on the cigarette, an automatic sensor causes a heating apparatus (called an atomizer) to heat and vaporize the nicotine solution. When the smoker exhales, they blow out harmless vapors.

Benefits of the E-cigarette Alternative

For a large number of people worldwide, E-cigarettes have been a lifesaver. Many people that have elected E-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking feel they have successfully been able to stop smoking tobacco thanks to E-cigarettes. They are happy with the economic benefits as well. Since E-cigarettes are reusable, the overall savings is substantial when compared to traditional cigarettes. Users can also buy the liquid solution in large quantities, thus saving costs over the long term. With this option, users are able to simply refill their E-cigarette cartridge with solution.

A variety of liquid solution flavours is available for users to enjoy, including those that try to mimic real cigarettes. Some of the popular E-cigarette flavors available to consumers include menthol, chocolate, various tobacco flavors and even a number of candy and fruit flavors. Some manufacturers have also begun producing vegetable based liquid solutions as a newer alternative.

The general public can also feel happier about E-cigarettes versus traditional smoking. With E-cigarettes, there are no matches or lighters required; and since there is no burning involved – and subsequently no smoke produced in the “smoking” process – E-cigarettes are entirely odorless. Another benefit is the ease of purchase involved. E-cigarettes and their components can also be purchased online, making them very easy to buy without hassle or long lines in the store.

While the FDA is pushing for even tighter restrictions on E-cigarettes, they have thus far been unsuccessful. In fact, the FDA was sued by several E-cigarette manufacturers. Therefore, proposed regulatory restrictions have yet to put a damper on the E-cigarette industry in most countries throughout the world.

Sources on this story:

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-28/fight-over-e-cigarettes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24914473