An interesting battle is taking place between a group of companies and the FDA over E-cigarettes. Never heard of them? These are battery-powered tubes that turn nicotine-laced liquid into a vapor mist. The marketers say their items are safer than cigarettes because there no toxins and some consumers seem to love them as they try to quit smoking. They even have a club (look here or watch the video). The cost is $40 to $120 for a starter kit, and then pay smaller amounts for liquid refills, according to The Wall Street Journal.
However, as the paper notes, the FDA is fighting to regulate the products as drug-delivery devices, similar to the way nicotine gums, patches or other nicotine-replacement products are regulated. Of course, this would subject e-cigarettes to lengthy and expensive trials to prove they are safe and effective. "There are a lot of reasons to believe logically that e-cigarettes offer a safer profile, but I want data that demonstrates safety," Thomas Eissenberg, a psychology professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies nicotine addiction, tells the paper.
Not surprisingly, the companies argue the products are recreational alternatives to cigarettes, not devices to help people give up their nicotine habits. As we know, clinical trials are expensive. Hence, their argument. But if they lose the battle with the FDA, vaping will live on. "Ninety percent of everyone who vapes is so glad to be off cigarettes that they would buy it in the drug market." David Dettloff, 48, owner of FreedomSmokeUSA, tells the Journal.
How do these work? When a user sucks on an e-cigarette, an atomizer turns the liquid inside into a vapor, which is why fans call themselves vapors. As the paper notes, E-cigarettes typically contain a solution of propylene glycol - the same chemical used to make artificial smoke in theaters and arenas - water, nicotine and flavorings such as espresso and strawberry. The amount of nicotine varies. But what do you think?
Should E-Cigarettes Be Regulated As Drug-Delivery Devices?
- Yes (72%, 78 Votes)
- No (28%, 31 Votes)
Total Voters: 109
6 Comments
QUESTION: Is second hand smoke a problem with E-Cigarettes?
I quit smoking 20 years ago in six weeks using Smokenders, which is the most successful program in history. Cost me $100, and the program has a 92% success rate. E-cigarettes appears comparable in cost, but has a success rate under 50%.
http://www.smokenders.com.au/
http://reason.com/blog/2009/08/10/e-cigarettes-look-more-effecti
pharmavet, congratulations on quitting!
The reason I voted for regulation as a medical device is because it is being used to take nicotine into the body through the lungs.
How much nicotine is in an E-Cigarette compared to a single "lite" Cigarette and compared to a regular (Marlboro)cigarette?
Thanks!
Robin
The e-cigarette creates a water vapor similar to stage fog for "smoke" - and as such - I would not think it would qualify as "second-hand" smoke. There is no burning of tobacco, no tar, only nicotine. The nicotine level is determined by the e-liquid the user chooses. It is available in 0mg through 48mg strengths with 16mg and 24 mg being comparable to a typical light and standard Marlboro. The e-liquids are either Propylene Glycol (PG) or Vegetable Glycerin (VG) based or may be a mix of VG & PG.
I have used a e-cig and reduced my pipe smoking to almost nil in several weeks. I have already stepped down from 24mg to 16mg nicotine. I plan on moving to 6mg nicotine soon. After that I plan to be smoke free.
The e-cig smoke appears to be scent-free (never trust a smoker's sense of smell) as I have used it in venues that would have tossed if I had lit up a traditional smoke. No one around me even knew I was "e-smoking". These venues were typical "smoking nazi" environments so I am certain I would have been tossed if anyone had smelled it.
My breathing has improved (O2 back to 97%) My doctor (off the record, of course) was pleased with the improvements and felt the lack of tar and other chemicals created by smoking the tobacco were a benefit.
In all honesty, I would subject the e-liquids to the same scrutiny as vitamins. Both are chemicals put into a person by choice and their personal choice. I will only use e-liquids from reputable vendors and not the cheap imported stuff from China or wherever.
Check out some of the e-cig forums if you want more information from real users.