Reality Check: Electronic Cigarettes Are Not So Healthy

I don't think they should be banned. While I do not smoke, I'm not going to take away someone's choice to smoke. And a person can use any device they want to when they make that choice to smoke.

so so stupid. and I 100% agree with doo girl.

Personally, I think they're great. People are going to smoke regardless of whether or not it's bad for them-- at least this way us non-smokers aren't forced to partake in the experience as well.

The less I have to walk through smokey, smelly building entrances, the better!

As for the whole "gate-way" drug thing... don't think there is much you can to to prevent kids from starting, kids do exactly what adults tell them NOT to do. And then (hopefully) they learn for themselves what is "good" and "bad" behavior.

I saw these at a kiosk and thought they were a joke. Wow. Just wow

Nope, not a joke. My mom and her friend both got them. Before that, I met a couple at a bar who were using them too. They come in lots of different flavor. I don't know how common they are yet, but I do think it's at least a good idea to let people know the facts about them, whatever those facts are. I was led to believe that they are healthier than regular cigarettes because although they carry the nicotine that smokers crave, they don't have any of the tar that blackens your lungs, right? So people who think they are being healthier should at least know the truth, even if it doesn't deter them from smoking in some form. At least they are better for those non-smokers who don't want to inhale a bunch of nasty second hand smoke. And they won't stink up your house!!

While I don't necessarily think they should be banned, I think people should be given the facts so they can make an informed decision.

As for the kids? I started smoking when I was 13. Kids can and will get a hold of cigarettes. Most kids that start smoking do it because they think it's cool and will most likely see this as a "stupid-looking" alternative.

Ditto all this - let people make their own choices and give them all the facts.

Well, those things sure take the "coolness" factor usually associated with smoking down a notch. They look ridiculous, but hey, I'd rather be around that than real cigarette smoke.

These reports of e-cigs being bad is nothing more than propaganda. Brought to you by the same folks who lobbied congress to recently raise the taxes of roll your own tobacco some 20x. 20x !! Now why would certain people want to get such legislation enacted? Think about it.

The base of the liquid used is propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine, both recognized by the FDA as safe for human consumption.

Don't believe most of the bull you hear on the 'news'.

Um, something being safe for human consumption doesn't necessarily make it safe for inhalation. And I don't think studies exist on the effects of repeated inhalation of the chemicals that were identified.

I have a huge problem with companies marketing a product as safer without having to show any actual proof that it's safer. Although the companies that are selling these things state that they are not making any claims about e-cigarettes being a healthier option, clearly people are buying them for that reason. So if a company is going to sell a product based on a perception that it provides a healtier way for people to partake in an unhealthy habit without any proof of that whatsoever, I think that the government should be able to intervene if they learn that the product could harm people.

Unfortunately, the law in the US isn't so clear and it may not be easy for the FDA to intervene. So we may have to find out the hard way about the health consequences of e-cigarettes.

Why would they be banned if real ones aren't? Stop smoking aids are for pansies. Just quit or shut up. I don't care if someone smokes. It's their own decision.

^^ totally agree with nadia
My mom and I both stopped cold turkey. Sure, it was miserable, but it beats tossing even more money away on nicotine patches/gum/other junk. And they have support groups/free hotlines and other safe ways to break the habit.

wow...i've never smoked a day in my life and can honestly say i would never make a statement as bold as stop smoking aids are for pansies (nadia), have you never had or watched someone you love try and fail so many times with this terrible addiction?? how insensitive and ignorant.

while i am impressed and happy for you that you (soapbox) were able to stop cold turkey many of my family members have tried that and it didn't work, some for legit reasons (a death in the family triggered their smoking again and everything went down the toilet) or some for not so legit reasons (they just couldn't cut it) so whatever can even in the slightest way help them with this terrible habit...well then I am all for it...maybe one time it will WORK once and for all. (I think it was gum and hotlines that finally helped my dad quit 5 years ago and I thank god every day he is not smoking any more, now i just worry about my mom, aunts, cousins, and brother).

First of all if anybody wants to knowingly kill themselves that's their prerogative; but I would not stand by while somebody unknowingly "murder" themselves. I would at least inform them of the dangerous consequences of their particular choice.
Second of all analog (regular) cigarettes have two types of "hand" smoke associated with it; second hand (whats exhaled ), and first hand (whats coming from the burning end of a lit cig). Now that latter (first hand) smoke is a real killer (just ask your eye balls).
Third of all with e-cigs (though you only inhale a vaporous mix) you still have to exhale into the surrounding air, which none smokers have to breath in -thus again -"second hand smoke or vapor". So e-cigs are not safer for anyone. Also, even though some things can be ingested as a liquid and or solid, that still dose not make it safe and or healthy to be inhaled in its gaseous state (to be ingested by the lung tissues).

There's more to this story. Diethylene Glycol was a possible anomaly and is not as toxic as Ethylene Glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze. TSNAs (carcinogens) are present in all NRTs. Please see these sites for more information:
ecassoc.org/response-to-the-fda
e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/campaigning/28246-facts-regarding-fda-press-release-7-22-repost.html
tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/

The writer of this post should seriously check out the links provided in the preceding comment (2:53 AM). There is much, MUCH more to this story. The FDA's behavior in this case is extremely suspicious. Especially when you consider that these are the same folks who brought you Chantix (now black-boxed) and that these same impurities are found in approved smoking-cessation aids (NRT, nicotine-replacement therapy). Note that the FDA cursorily tested liquids from the same 2 companies (out of dozens and dozens of suppliers) that are currently suing the FDA for having blocked supply shipments. Note that they tested using parts per billion, instead of the customary parts per million, and found POSSIBLY a serious impurity in only one sample -- which tells me that the liquid manufacturers are doing a very good job of purifying their products.

Also note that if people turn to e-cigs in large numbers as an alternative to smoking, two concerns will be hurt badly: Big Pharma, and Big Tobacco.

Yes, I use e-cigs. No, I didn't expect to quit smoking entirely -- but I did. Yes, I'm breathing MUCH better and have far more stamina. No, these are not being marketed to children any more than flavored nicotine lozenges are being marketed to children, and no, children will not take up vaping in droves, because they simply would not be able to afford it nor hide supplies and battery charging equipment from parents.

And no, e-cigarettes should not be banned. If I have a legal choice to continue smoking, I should have a legal choice to lessen the associated health risks by cutting out nearly 4,000 inhaled chemicals from that process. (Furthermore, I can and do make my own nicotine-free vaping juice from USP-grade propylene glycol (GRAS, "generally regarded as safe" by the FDA, used in smoke machines and asthma inhalers), USP vegetable glycerin, and food flavorings.

The FDA needs to do FAIR studies of this technology -- comparing what it finds to what it also finds in (a) cigarettes and (b) approved NRT therapies -- and it needs to stop trying to prevent me from getting the replacement supplies I need in the meantime, as it's doing now by blocking shipments of hardware.

I wish people would not be so quick to swallow what they are handed, and would do a little research before making pronouncements about safety.

Quitting smoking is really, really difficult. I quit smoking three days ago and I'm definitely working through this process a day at a time. I think that even if e-cigs have health risks, they are definitely a better alternative to actual smoking. I quit cold turkey, but that's just me. If you haven't smoked, you probably can't understand how difficult it is to quit. I read the posts above, and I see that some of you do understand because of what your family and friends have gone through.

So, I guess my point is....people should be given credit for taking steps in the right direction. Smoking e-cigs might not be "perfect," but it's an attempt to quit a very addictive habit. Like for someone who's trying to lose a lot of weight, it's better if they walk even just 5 minutes a day. It's not as good as running a mile, but it's a lot better than sitting on the couch!

Wow!!! so much controversy. To let you know I don't think it would be a discussion if big tobacco was the providers of this invention. We all know how bad cigarettes are for us and guess what? They are legal...how is this possible? Deep deep deep pockets. Now because of this product the owners of those deep pockets are foreseeing their pockets getting shallow. Now I'm not saying e-cigarettes are healthy they aren't. Being addicted to anything is unhealthy whether it be chocolate alcohol ect..ect..But I do know of all the harmful chemicals contained in today's cigarette is worse then an e-cigarette. In fact today's cigarette is more harmful then the cigarettes of 50 yrs ago when they were plain tobacco. Not to mention just taking tar out of the picture is HUGE! Just look at your cigarette butt after smoking....COME ON!!!!!!!!!!

I am an ex smoker of many things now I only smoke e cigs for awhile I smoked nothing at all cold turkey quit for 3 years.

The e cig IMO is a lot less damaging then a regular cig or crank or crack. When Mexico recently legalized narcotics instead of relapsing into major binging of all kinds of crap for a time, I ordered an e cig.

So far it is satisfactory for one who sometimes needs a vice to keep sane. I think it's crazy how people and government assume to have the right or authority to take others rights, writing new laws to circumvent the constitution is lame.

I tried one of these, it's ok. Any nicotine use is bad for you. I love that some of you posters are complaining about the "chemicals" in them. I checked out the one I tried. It contains 12 ingredients, they are all organic compounds (please keep in mind I am not saying they are organic, organic compounds means they derive from plants) Cigarettes have 599 additives (yeah, look it up) including ammonia and formaldehyde yet they are still totally legal and "safe" as per the FDA. Like someone else said higher up, this is total BS propaganda from the tobacco companies that see these as a threat to their profits.

i need all the ups and downs...... i have a family member whois in the hospital ona ventelator and they said when or IF she gets off if she dosent stop she only has 6 months to live........ please i need help

help help help helo help

They are good, they are bad, the evil suckers found another way to kill us, they are safer than traditional cigarette's, so many many different opinions here. The only comment with any factual basis was Steven Blairs. Thank you Steven. I like numbers...... I can roll with numbers.
I am going to try the e cigarette. There is no way "no way" they are as bad as traditional cigarette's. And even if they are only marginally less harmfull....... thats somthing right?
I chuckle when I think of all the bad things said about laser eye surgery just a short 7 years ago............. will this be the same?

Well hell the FDA doesn't have to approve crap, the majority of drugs approved by the FDA have way more side affects/risks that are way worse than what the drug is intended to do. I see commercials everyday "Have you or someone you know taken this drug *blah blah blah*? You may be at risk call this number *whatever*." Its ridiculous, their just afraid that this will catch on like wild fire and major tobacco companies will fall. Personally I do smoke and I have tried the e-cig and I enjoy it a lot better and prefer this over traditional cigarettes. Not only do I feel that its safer for me but its way more safer for people who are exposed to second hand smoke, in which this case with the e-cig not harmful at all.

Your facts are flawed. Cigarettes contain 4000 chemicals, the FDA tested TWO brands of the hundreds, water is in anti-freeze too (is that not safe), and dentists have recommended certain brands.

This article is a plant. It is the left wing activist way to try to control the behavior me others. It's not the harmful effects of vaping that concern them, its the action of the motions of smoking. It's behavioral control. Don't be fooled, cigarettes have over 4000 chemicals including known lethal poisons. This antifreeze chemical that was found in e liquid is a non toxic chemical okayed by the fda for inhalation. Do your homework! Reality check! This article is an attempt at controlling your behavior, by rationalists who don't want to see you smoke. Since when do the motions of this action become dangerous? It is your right to act upon your own choices that comes into question. Do we now don upon a new fascist America?

Al I can say is they are great. I smoked since I was 14. I never had a problem buying them at that age in the 80's. I am now in my late 30's and was miserable smoking. I hated it and couldn't seem to quit for more then a year or two at a time. The nicotine grasp is awful. Once it has you, it has you for life. I have known many ex-smokers who even though they don't smoke will still admit to you that they miss it all the time.

At any rate, with electronic cigarettes I feel a lot better and do not crave the real thing at all. I did the research and really believe that the FDA reaction was knee jerk and not well thought out. The main component of most of the nicotine liquid is propylene glycol. The di ethylene glycol found in one of the samples tested by the FDA was minimal. I was bothered by it though so I buy all of my liquid from U.S. manufacturers that tell you what is in their stuff. (the FDA tests were conducted on chinese sourced liquid).

I won't go so far as to say that they are healthy. I don't think anyone knows for sure. However propylene glycol inhalation studies have been done and no ill effects were found for most people. For a few it does act as an irritant and should be avoided. Thankfully that does not seem to be me. Propylene Glycol was actually used in the 40's as a mist in hospitals with very sick children because it prevents bacterial infection. The inhalation of propylene glycol has been tested extensively on animals with no ill effects. I don't agree with animal testing but the facts are what they are.

I am sure that all of the consequences of long term propylene glycol inhalation are not currently known. However, I believe that it is healthier then cigarette smoke. I can feel it. The black circles under my eyes are gone. I feel better, look better and don't smell like an ashtray.

I think the FDA really needs to look at electronic cigarettes as a viable replacement for addicts such as myself. The other stuff they have approved does not work well at all. Both myself and a great many users of this product believe that if it is allowed to continue, cigarettes will be a thing of the past. That's a good thing. I understand that the FDA is afraid of another nicotine product on the market but the truth is if electronic cigarettes were the only nicotine product on the market that would not be a bad result (given the current situation).

I encourage all smokers to buy one and give it a go. Look around on the internet and get the U.S. or European produced liquid though.

OHHHhhh Let's Bow down and worship the great and mighty FDA; because they are all wise, they are part of the government that never lies to us, or keeps things away from us, and always gives us the entire picture....
Santa Claus is a life-long board member...

I am just learning about the e-cigarette industry, but after fighting for years the kind of lies the FDA perpetuated about Aspartame, and then literally threatened to burn down Stevia companies (Stevita) because, in this case the big corporation was Monsanto (until they sold the Aspartame industry...because they did not want to keep putting out the "fires" ... DORway.com).

Face it, a few guys work in the FDA, and they are supposed to monitor everything... so while there might be a few left with some moral integrity, they are surrounded by the rest of the guys that are padding their paychecks by attacking industries that may be competition for the largest corporations. (Don't believe me? Then you don't know what the FDA does at all! Case in point...in 1981, FDA Commissioner A. H. Hayes ignored objections of a Public Board of Inquiry and pushed Aspartame through for approval, despite tests that were submitted by Searle, that were so bad the Department of Justice initated proesecution of Searle for Fraud. However the defense lawyers hired the prosecutors Sam Skinner and Wm Conlon (former FDAers...gee, the plot thins!), so the case died with the statute of limitations. Then Hayes, by golly, got a fat salary WORKING for the NutraSweet PR firm of Burston-Marsteller.

So, do you really think that waving the FDA in my face is going to support your position? When you bring up statements like "not approved by the FDA" it only means one of two things: 1)With their huge work load, (or somebody hasn't bribed them enough) they have not had a chance to examine the issue; or 2) They are being paid off by the tobacco companies to campaign against it (e-cigs). This makes so much more sense...most people that look into these issues with the least bit of effort have heard the stories of the shade-tree mechanic geniuses that have invented an engine that runs on something besides gas, and then they just...disappear, or they have told stories of their being threatened because of their invention.

I am not saying that e-cigs are the greatest, but find another stick to beat them with. The FDA is NOT your friend....

i totally agree with bethschocolate!!!

I am using E-cigs and I am a heavy smoker and I do not recommend banning these at all. I can use them to quit real cigarettes which is my goal. For me these are an answered prayer a way to control the amount of nicotine and work towards becoming smoke free altogether. I do however think that the tobacco industry is highly jealous that small companies are profiting from these and taking dedicated customers away from them. That is the real reason for all the negative hype. I say let the little guy win for once. Let there be a choice stop with all this Nazi banning stuff all the time. Somebody finally came up with a real alternative to conventional smoking, let it go already. Real cigarettes do cause harm yet the FDA still approves them, so what does that tell you? Money makes the world go round give the e-cig companies enough time and they will be major players too. Relax, big tobacco, they still need your leaves to make the e-juice.

i am a little confused on if e cig is really bad for you?! probably if you use it coninously for yrs. i am 37, been smoking since13, and havent smoked a cigerette for a little over a month due to using the e-cig, i try to only use when i feel desperate and would need a cig, but without this i would not have been able to quit. also i quit cold turkey first(horrible 3-5 days) and when i couldn't stand the withdrawels i got the e-cig(no nicotine) menthol flavor. when inhaled it gives you that relaxing sensation with no nicotine. its probably not safe to use forever, but it really is a way to help quit a grueling addiction. i never thought i would be able to. it first takes a huge amt of will power and to get to the point where your digusted by cigerettes(you need to be in that place first). then i believe cold turkey(its hell the first 2 weeks until all nicotine is clear of your body). one day at a time, sometimes one hr, one minute, but the days will pass and it gets better til you barely crave a cig, like once or twice a day small cravings.its possible-i'm proof. anyway i would suggest no nicotine cartridges menthol flavor. yes i miss smoking sometimes and probably will for awhile and certain situations, but in the long run, i keep thinking of how disgusting it all was, and the constant need.seriously google why quitnow.com.... it will make you wanna quit when you see horror stories of those hooked to machines dying from lung cancer at 33 yrs old,these pics. you think this won't be you but we all think that until it happens. this sight helped me daily to keep reminding myself why i can get through this and will through the first really rough week.