Are E-Cigs a Public Inconvenience?

Two D.C. council members are proposing the ‘Electronic Cigarette Parity Amendment Act of 2013‘
It would ban electronic cigarettes in restaurants, mass transit, bars and public places including sidewalks.

Blue Cigs, one of the leading manufactures of E cigs, said “from misinformed lawmakers to scared big tobacco companies, actions are being made to limit the sale and use of electronic cigarettes.” They maintain that it is an act of bullying by the tobacco industry on the ever-popular e-cig industry.

According to vapernews.com, “sales of e-cigarettes in 2012 are estimated up to $500M, which has doubled each year for the past two years, and should double and in 2013. Although sales for analog cigarette topped $80B, e-cigarettes sales could surpass them in a decade.”

Council member Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) stated that e-cigs, “may encourage more people to start smoking.” She goes further saying, “you are getting that same nicotine derivative, and it’s just attracting more, younger people.”

Lawmakers believe e-cigs are bothersome and may pose health risks. The FDA, however, has not come to a conclusion on the potential health risks. It state that, “further research is needed to assess the potential public health benefits and risks of electronic cigarettes and other novel tobacco products.”

Electronic cigarettes have become an increasingly popular alternative to those trying to transition off tobacco. Coming in a variety of flavors, the battery powered inhalers heat nicotine into vapor, allowing a similar stimulant effect as the typical cigarette. However, unlike regular cigarettes, they do not produce smoke. This has allowed e-cigs to be classified differently than cigarettes, until now.

*Editors note: I discussed potential health risked associated with e-cigs with my doctor. He said for the time being, they are a great alternative to smoking cigarettes. No tar, no paper, no tobacco, no carcinogens. His only concern was the concept of heating nicotine. Only time will tell.

Read more at The Washington Post

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-04-09/local/38397580_1_e-cigaretteselectronic-cigarettes-e-cigs