| By :
Kim Johnson
Electronic cigarettes are a relatively new invention made to replace cigarette smoking due to the extreme amount of legislation concerning tobacco smoke in public places. Now, however, many electronic cigarettes are being marketed as a cessation device. Even smokers who have switched to electronic cigarettes say that the craving for nicotine does not decrease when smoking an e-cigarette. In fact, electronic cigarettes are actually a nicotine delivery device. Electronic cigarettes are operated by batteries and are made up of a heater, a battery and a cartridge containing propylene glycol and nicotine. Electronic cigarettes can deliver the same feeling as a tobacco cigarette but does not contain carbon monoxide and tar. Currently, electronic cigarettes can be used in public places where tobacco cigarettes have been banned. Marketed as a safe alternative, little is actually known about E cigarettes and their side effects and long-term use. As an unregulated product, it is possible for manufacturers to develop and distribute electronic cigarettes with varying amounts of chemical compositions that do not have to be listed to be sold. The FDA does not sanction ecigs and substantial proof concerning safety has not yet been determined. Instead of lowering nicotine addiction, electric cigarettes may actually increase the need for nicotine as the concentrations of nicotine in the cartridges is relatively higher than nicotine gained by tobacco. This can make ecigs a dangerous alternative and establish a foundation for government intervention in order to keep them away from children. Currently, no legislation is in place to prevent minors from purchasing electronic cigarettes. Nicotine is one of the hardest addictions to eliminate once established. A serious concern raised by the government towards E cigarettes relates to the multitude of flavors such as strawberry, vanilla, mint, and chocolate. It is being argued that even non-smokers and children will pick up the habit because of the appealing flavors the electric cigarette is available in. The FDA fears that without regulation electric cigarettes may become too popular among younger crowds and growing new generation of nicotine addicted adults. There is good news though. Even among the controversy of the electric cigarette, the known chemical compositions in the few that have been tested are thought to be less toxic than the chemical composition of tobacco cigarettes. In other words, electric cigarettes, while not a perfect solution, offer a slightly healthier version of nicotine to smokers already addicted. While not exactly healthy, they are better than tobacco cigarettes.
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