The most frequently asked question by those who smoke and are contemplating switching to an e cig is a funny one: “is it safe to use an e cig instead of tobacco?” To answer, let’s be practical. If you are a smoker, as I was for the past 10 years, and every time you reach for a cigarette you see the warning on the package that says “smoking kills” or other such enticing slogans, then you already know that what you inhale each day is dangerous, that nicotine is not a healthy or safe substance, and yet despite all that, you continue to do it. Hoping that someone will officially state that that choosing an alternate way to introduce nicotine into your body is safe will probably not happen. It is up to you to decide if inhaling toxic tobacco smoke with nicotine, or inhaling nicotine vapor, is how you wish to get your dose, without anyone else’s seal of approval.
E Cigarette Facts
Here are the facts: an e cig is a new concept and the long-term effects or benefits of using an electronic cigarette versus tobacco are unknown. Just how new are e cigs? Well they were only developed in 2003 in Beijing, later becoming the baby of a company called Golden Dragon Group and then further developed by Ruyan in 2004, marketed only in China and not even brought to Europe until 2006, and the media only took notice in early 2007. Since then , about 300 million people have tried the e-cigarette, and many personal stories reflect that some of these people have noticed an improvement in their overall health. However, the use of them is still largely untested in a clinical environment.
Are E Cigarettes Endorsed by the WHO?
No. But then neither are cigarettes. They are not an officially recognized means to quit smoking by the WHO or by the Electronic Cigarette Association, but that does not take away from the fact that, on an individual level, many people have used them to minimize their nicotine intake and feel better, some have even given up the habit and use vapor without nicotine at all.
What does the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA say?
It’s not surprising that they are not in favor. Why? Because they fear an endorsement may cause young people to take up smoking using e cigarettes. That is a valid concern and may justify the FDA not endorsing the product, but please take into account that if someone smokes a pack a day and inhales copious amounts of tobacco smoke and nicotine, and then chooses to switch to an electronic cigarette, this is an entirely different picture than someone who is young and innocent and may be about to take up the habit. The benefits experienced by a long time addict making a switch may be quickly noticeable. Logically, it is unwise to recommend that a young person begin to smoke, be it with a vaporized e cig or a tobacco cigarette. So consider why it is not endorsed by the WHO or approved by the FDA and then decide if you, as a regular smoker, would like to try making the switch.
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Topics: Addiction