E-Cigarettes – Boon or Bane?
E-Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes were launched with much fanfare some time ago, as an easy and safe way to curb smoking habit among chain-smokers. Recently, it was discovered by federal health officials that they contain cancer-causing ingredients.
At the time of initial release, the manufacturers had claimed that e-cigarettes are absolutely safe compared to tobacco cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the presence of many toxic chemicals, when they tested two popular brands. Among the toxic chemicals, they found a prime ingredient of antifreeze.
Experts warn that e-cigarettes may act as a stepping stone to regular smoking. As e-cigarettes do not face the restrictions imposed by tobacco laws, it is easier for youngsters to purchase it.
E-cigarettes, claim the manufacturers, work by producing nicotine fumes that are inhaled directly into the lungs. It resembles a regular cigarette in appearance and even in the glowing amber tips. They also produce white smoke just like a tobacco cigarette.
According to e-cigarette makers, they are safer than ordinary cigarettes as they do not burn, resulting in the production of toxic chemicals. However, similar or worse chemicals that may lead to cancer was found by FDA officials in the e-cigarettes, which refutes all the claims of safety by manufacturers.
FDA regulators, in their announcement, revealed that 50 shipments of electronic cigarettes were stopped at the border, after this discovery. The FDA action was challenged in federal court by the manufacturers. The e-cigarette consignment that was denied entry into the country was made in China.
FDA, while revealing these facts, has not clarified whether they will take action against the two manufacturers, whose products tested positive for cancer-causing chemicals. The two companies were also not named in the announcement. However, the officials mentioned that the agency is “planning additional activities” to handle the safety issues. This may include calling back the e-cigarettes with toxic presence and/or issuing criminal sanctions.
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it’s a bit too early to say wether e-cigarettes will be a success or not. However users report that some of the liquid available for these cigarettes is not as good as they thought. Some user talk about stomach aches and skin rashes.
I think alot of the problems with e-cigarette imports/sales in canada and the usa have more to do with the big tobaco companies pushing the govt in fears of lost sales and revenue. Also (not sure about in the states) but in canada the govt taxes cigarettes, ans that could mean alot of lost tax revenue for them. I think it’s pretty sad that things that kill people (like REAL smokes) get the government support while a safer product like e-cigs dosent.
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