E- Cigarettes increase in popularity
The use of e- cigarettes in teens has risen in the past year. According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report, the use of e- cigarettes rose from 4.7% in 2011 to 10% in 2012.
The Electronic cigarette was invented in the 1960’s, but the sales of this product has taken off in the past decade.
Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans smoke e- cigs. Bonnie Herzog, a Wells Fargo analyst, predicts that the e- cigarette industry will be as big as the tobacco industry within the next 10 years. “It doesn’t surprise me. Everyone knows to stay away from tobacco. Tobacco is something everybody fears now.” said Junior Matt Kacen
E- Cigarettes deliver nicotine through a flavored aerosol that looks and feels like normal tobacco smoke. People in the age group of 18 years of age to 24 years of age are most likely to try e- cigarettes.
E- cigarettes are not being regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. It would be possible for an E- cigarette to get an approval from the FDA. “…right now e-cigarettes are not regulated consistently by the government. Each state is doing its own thing.” said youth group advisor Karen Walsh- Pio.
E- cigarettes are not considered a tobacco product by the FDA. A ruling has been proposed that would classify E- cigarettes as a tobacco product.
It is not known if e- cigarettes are better or worse than conventional cigarettes. “Is that “better or worse”? It is addiction, and vape pens and e-cigs are getting kids addicted exactly the same as cigarettes. There are all kinds of chemicals in the nicotine and in the vapor.” said Walsh- Pio There is not enough information about e- cigarettes to know how better or worse they are compared to conventional cigarettes.
No one knows what happens to people who use this product long- term. There have been no long- term tests to determine what happens to e- cig users after years of use.
Some people believe that using e- cigarettes won’t help people quit smoking. “I have worked in the field of addiction, often with addicted people directly as their therapist, since 1992. I have been told by junkies that nicotine is harder to kick than heroin.” said Walsh- Pio
According to addiction journal.org, 60% more people are successful in quitting if they use e- cigarettes instead if using nicotine gum, or even patches. Other studies say people are significantly less likely to quit smoking if they use e- cigarettes. Other people believe that E- cigs can be used to aid in quitting. “I would say [E-cigarettes] are kind of a good thing. They can help a person get away from smoking.” said Kacen.
Mastorakis may be reached at [email protected]
