Nicotine by any other name
A good friend of mine recently asked me to do a little research into the electronic nicotine vaporizer that has gained viral popularity since the 鈥渆-cig鈥� hit the US market in 2007.
Wielding a level of addiction comparable to cocaine, or refined sugar, nicotine captures millions of new users every year. This in spite of overwhelming, irrefutable, scientifically-proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, repeatably demonstrable evidence that smoking tobacco kills or harms everyone, or at least the vast majority of people who ingest it in any form.
And of course, it is a trillion dollar business between its farming, production, advertising, sales, distribution, medical treatment of its consequences, and technology designed, sold, and repaired to deal with it: Ventilation systems, air cleaners, etc.
Beyond that is the social cost: taxpayer burden to treat the millions on disability, or medicare, etc. as a result of this highly addicting and dangerous product. Perhaps the most insidious side of it is that the behavior harms not only those who choose to do it, but the unwilling 鈥渧ictims鈥� of the legendary secondary smoke.
This to me is the highest priority to address on the matter. Certainly I would love to convince smokers of their choice for slow suicide, but as many have learned, it is mostly impossible to reason with a person who is caught in an addiction. Individuals must decide for themselves that they value health over addiction 鈥� as I did in regard to sugar and processed foods by the way, so I absolutely understand what a daunting task that is. But it is not impossible. It starts with one choice, and then the next, and then making it through the day, and then the week, then the month, and into years.
In the meantime, the people who are fortunate enough to hold out from the tobacco addiction must still endure its harmful effects if they choose to attend public events where it is permitted, or if they befriend smokers who do not choose to respect their air space.
To me, this is the first and highest benefit of the e-cig: It potentially protects the victims of secondary exposure. Admittedly, this is not 鈥減roven,鈥� but it is an empirically observable when in the presence of an e-cig user. One does not perceive any ill effects, odors, or physical reactions when in the presence of these devices. Please note this is not proof, but it is certainly promising. If nothing else, it is infinitely more pleasant for those who wish to avoid second hand smoke.
So what of the evidence regarding the relative 鈥渟afety鈥� of e-cigs for the user ? Let蘑菇视频 not kid ourselves that seriously powerful corporations and their lobbyists who have already lost a reported 10 to 20 percent in profits to this alternative, are more than just a little invested in exposing the downside (if any) of these devices. That said, note that e-cigs basically vaporize liquid nicotine, the addictive chemical in tobacco products. They produce no odor, smoke, or carbon monoxide. So far so good. So what is in them? A combination of nicotine, flavorings (such as bubble gum or watermelon), propylene glycol (a solvent), and other additives. If you look at a typical ingredient list, you will likely see a list of chemical additives that you do not recognize or know how to pronounce: this is just as much a concern as when you see these types of things on food labels.
Levels of nicotine varies greatly. Some are comparable to regular tobacco products, and others are much lighter. However, there is concern over the reliability of the amounts reported on the packages because they aren鈥檛 鈥渞egulated.鈥� This may be a legitimate point, or one conjured up by the self-interest of corporate tobacco interests.
There is concern that liquid nicotine is potentially more harmful than that contained in the tobacco plant. In fact, one source claims that one tablespoon can kill an adult, and one teaspoon can kill a child. Does this sound safer to you? As I stated earlier, at least it is safer to those around you, provided they don鈥檛 swallow it or absorb it through their skin. The CDC states that the number of poison control calls in regard to liquid nicotine has risen every month from 2010 to 2014. There are concerns over other toxins in these liquids too, including heavy metals. No one says these may not be present in regular processed tobacco products, either.
FDA regulation is in the works, if you believe that will solve your concerns.
The bottom line is that people are no doubt better off admitting, addressing and beating the addiction. There is ample help for those who want it. As with any health-related topic, people are encouraged to do their own research. Start a web search of your own on the topic, and let us know what you find.
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Until next time, be gentle with yourself, and be well!