Posted by admin in Ever heard of an electronic cigarette? A thin plastic tube with a lithium-ion battery which heats liquid nicotine into a stream of vapor? It is, its makers claim, a less harmful substitute for your tobacco-filled cigarette or cigar.
Besides nicotine delivery, this vapor provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to what one gets while inhaling tobacco smoke. But no tobacco, smoke, or combustion is actually involved in the process.
Some e-cigarette manufacturers claim that the harmful material produced by tobacco combustion in traditional cigarettes is absent in their products. Some claim that e-cigarettes are capable of reducing nicotine addiction.
And it seems e-cigarettes won’t remain an exotic item for long. The day may not be far away when they would no longer attract curious eyeballs.
In July, the FDA undertook a study to determine the “nicotine content and other impurities” of two brands of electronic cigarettes. Scientists tested for tobacco-specific carcinogenic impurities and detected just traces of them. In that sense, e-cigarettes must be less harmful than their traditional cousins.
In nicotine-less cartridges sold by some e-cigarettes, scientists discovered the presence of “very low amounts of nicotine.” They also detected diethylene glycol, an unsavory chemical, but again in a small amount that’s far from being toxic. But still, it has given the opposing lobby something to shout about.
The battle between the two camps rages on with each offering arguments in its support. In the midst of this battle, e-cigarettes are being bought by anyone who can afford the price. E-cigarette fans dismiss all charges leveled by their opponents as part of a conspiracy by the tobacco lobby. If the opposing side says e-cigarettes are targeting children by all means, their supporters say they are environment-friendly with fewer butts. Even senators have taken sides to join the battle.
In all probability, e-cigarette manufacturers will finally submit for regulations and gradually become commonplace. No one will then throw a second look at somebody who is smoking a cigarette that requires to be charged.
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