The electronic cigarette - a lifesaver for smokers?
The electronic cigarette was launched in China in 2006. Since then, millions of people around the world have switched from tobacco to "tech-bacco", and in doing so have made considerable savings in their health and wealth.
This lens takes a look at the issues surrounding this amazing technology, and what it can do for those smokers who just can't quit.
Table of Contents
- At last, high-tech smoking!
- Who are electronic cigarettes for?
- Electronic Cigarettes V. Tobacco
- Beating the Smoking Ban
- How the E-cigarette works
- The best electronic cigarettes on the web
- Advantages of electronic smoking products
- Tips for buying your first e-cigarette
- E-cigarette websites
- Electronic Cigarette Photos
- E-cig YouTube videos
- Smarter Smokers Smoke Smokeless!
- What do you think?
- Featured Lenses
At last, high-tech smoking!
The "safe cigarette" has long been the holy grail of smokers everywhere, but the tobacco industry has never seen fit to think outside the box (or pack, in this case), and develop tobacco-free technology.I suppose this isn't surprising since their chief commodity is tobacco, and they have never shown any real interest in their customers' wellbeing.
It took Hong Kong based business SBT to come up with their new product - the Ruyan, which in Chinese means "just like smoke" - and it was an almost instant hit in China.
Millions of Chinese people have switched to the Ruyan to preserve their health, and over the last year e-cigarette technology has steady made inroads in countries all around the world.
They are now available in the US from NJOY, and across Europe from Sedansa (see links).
Most smokers are initially a bit skeptical about the electronic cigarette, but once they try it those doubts almost always disappear.
If you are anything like me, once you try an e-cig you'll never want to go back to tobacco.
Who are electronic cigarettes for?
The e-cigarette is a powerful device developed for nicotine addicts, but it's not a smoking-cessation device
If you smoke tobacco in any form, you should start e-smoking instead.If you don't smoke, don't even think about it! Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man, and some people can become hooked after smoking just one pack!!!
I wish I had known that before I started, but here we are, I am in my late 20s and have been smoking half my life.
I am incredibly thankful to have discovered e-cigs because, hopefully, I can now escape the terrible health consequences that await most smokers.
I have tried over and over again to pack the suckers in, and still ended up back on it - usually because I have had a drink or two. I just haven't been in the right place in life to pack them in.
And that is the point - electronic cigarettes are for harm-reduction. Nicotine is still a nasty substance and I do want to get off it, but it is not anywhere near as nasty as the deadly concoction you breathe in every time you and I have a smoke.
I don't want to be smoking e-cigarettes forever, but until I am in the right place in life they will help me to preserve my health.
I have already improved my fitness - I am running 10 miles 3 times per week. I could never have done that before. My energy levels have skyrocketed, my thought processes improved - basically all the benefits of quitting smoking.
Quitters take note....
But I do want to make this very important point: Electronic smoking products are NOT nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation devices in the clinical sense.
There is currently no evidence at all that they are beneficial to those who want to break the addiction - some unscrupulous sellers are claiming that they have a "four steps program" and so forth, but this is just make-believe.
There are clinical studies taking place in New Zealand - but I'm pretty sure that they will show no benefit at all.
The trouble is that smoking an e-cigarette is too similar an experience to smoking tobacco, both in terms of the sensations and in the way the nicotine gets into your body.
In other words, you aren't breaking the habit. You are still "smoking", just without smoke. And you are unlikely to have much success with it if you try to use it to quit. I believe you'd have as much success by slowly cutting down cigarettes and then quitting - and how many of us have tried that one?!
So....
If you are a smoker who hate the effects on their health but isn't prepared to quit yet (and that has to be most smokers doesn't it?), get an e-cigarette.
If you want to break your addiction, please try the myriad of other quitting methods - and don't stop trying
Electronic Cigarettes V. Tobacco
Can they really replace cigarettes?
The main question that most e-smokers ask before trying their first e-cigarette is "is it as satisfying for a smoker as a tobacco?"Well, I can only answer this one from personal experience but I must say that most e-smokers I have spoken to pretty much agree:
When you first get your hands on an e-cig, you will probably try to smoke it as you would a cigarette. I certainly did!
In fact, e-smoking requires a slightly different technique, more akin to pipe smoking. Don't worry though, it's not hard and you will get it PDQ.
The main thing is that you do get the "hit". The sensation of the nicotine hitting the lungs is pretty much identical to cigarettes. And afterwards, you don't have the soreness that accompanies smoking a cigarette - although some do experience a slight dryness that passes quickly.
If you've ever quit smoking before - you will have noticed the incredible strength of the smell of stale tobacco given off by smokers. Well, it's no different when you are e-smoking. The reason is, I guess, that when you are smoking you just get used to the smell. With e-cigs, since you are not inhaling all the oxidized organic compounds, you don't get the same immunity.
The point is that if you then smoke a real cigarette, it will taste vile! I mean, really vile - worse than when you start again after quitting, because you are not getting the rush of nicotine to compensate for the taste.
If you've ever read Alan Carr's easyway to quit, you'll remember that he encourages you to really focus on the taste of the cigarette as you smoke it. And as you do, you realize that it is horrible!
Well, there is no such bad taste with an e-cigarette. In fact, some of the flavors you can get are quit pleasant - although I wouldn't say they had the nose of a fine wine or anything!
All in all I found that e-cigarettes replaced my tobacco usage entirely. well, almost - the obvious problem is one that you'll almost certainly have experienced with your cellphone.......
Yes, since it is battery powered, you do run the risk of being without - and finding yourself picking up a pack of cigarettes.
I now have three spare batteries so I don't have that problem, but to start with I only had the two which, whilst fine for daily use, weren't enough for the rigors of a long night out (or was it just that everyone kept wanting try it?!).
"Use the coupon code "Smokey" (uppercase "S") for a 20% discount on all products at Njoy.com!"
Beating the Smoking Ban
Yes, it's legal in all public places.
Ok, before I look at the law, I want to make something clear. I am completely in favor of legislation that bans smoking in public places and protects people from secondary smoke - although I do think some exceptions could be made. But the electronic cigarette does not give off any emissions that could harm those around the user.If I thought it did, I would not spread the word about it being a way to bypass the law.
How things stand
If you look at the wording of any act of law, in one chapter or another it has to define its terms.
Therefore, in laws against smoking, the very term smoking must be defined. This is good for e-smokers because, as it stands, all the Acts I have seen define smoke and smoking in such a way that they could not be interpreted to include e-cigarettes.
To cut this short (I will be writing a lens devoted entirely to the law and e-cigarettes), smoke is produced by one of two reactions - combustion or pyrolysis.
The e-cigarette, however, simply vaporizes the solution (which contains harmless food-grade materials and nicotine)- there is no oxidization or reaction of any sort that occurs, however....
Be polite!
This is not a green light to simply pull out your e-cigarette and start puffing in bars,clubs and restaurants. If in doubt as to the policy of a premises (and at the moment you almost certainly will be) do check with the owner.
From my personal experience, bar managers' and club owners' reactions are likely to be surprise and interest, even if they decide not to let you use it on their premises.
The electronic cigarette is so new that most people haven't heard of it just yet - and owners of public places are likely to be very jumpy when someone appears to be smoking in their premises.
How the E-cigarette works
The latest silicon chip and battery technology that make the e-cig possible
The electronic cigarette is a real marvel of hi-tech engineering.
It consists of three main segments:
Cartridge/Mouthpiece
The nicotine solution is contained in a disposable cartridge which comes attached to a mouthpiece. The solution contains water, flavorings, nicotine and propylene glycol - the active substance which enables the solution to become a smokelike mist.
The Atomizing Chamber
At the core of the chamber is the atomizer - a small section of wire-wool type material that turns the nicotine solution into vapor as it is drawn through by suction.
The atomizing section is attached to the battery via a brass screw fitting which also conducts the electricity across.
The Battery
The energy required to produce the mist is considerable, and it is only in the last couple of years that batteries have become powerful enough that they can be made small enough to be a reasonable-sized component of the e-cigarette.
The battery provides power to the atomizer when the sensitive pressure sensor (also contained in the battery) is activated by the user sucking air through.
And controlling the function of the whole device is a silicon chip made by Motorola that ensures that it self cleans routinely every 1500 puffs, and controls the user feedback via the LED at the end of the cigarette.
It consists of three main segments:
- Atomizing chamber
- Cartridge/mouthpiece
- Battery
Cartridge/Mouthpiece
The nicotine solution is contained in a disposable cartridge which comes attached to a mouthpiece. The solution contains water, flavorings, nicotine and propylene glycol - the active substance which enables the solution to become a smokelike mist.
The Atomizing Chamber
At the core of the chamber is the atomizer - a small section of wire-wool type material that turns the nicotine solution into vapor as it is drawn through by suction.
The atomizing section is attached to the battery via a brass screw fitting which also conducts the electricity across.
The Battery
The energy required to produce the mist is considerable, and it is only in the last couple of years that batteries have become powerful enough that they can be made small enough to be a reasonable-sized component of the e-cigarette.
The battery provides power to the atomizer when the sensitive pressure sensor (also contained in the battery) is activated by the user sucking air through.
And controlling the function of the whole device is a silicon chip made by Motorola that ensures that it self cleans routinely every 1500 puffs, and controls the user feedback via the LED at the end of the cigarette.
The best electronic cigarettes on the web
Tried and tested by my good self.
I have owned several models of e-cigarette so far, and have linked to some of them below. These companies offer full guarantees on their products, and will replace any faulty items ASAP.
- NJOY USA
NJOY offer unparalleled quality e-cigarettes and customer service.
They currently have a cigar and cigarette style device, both very competitively priced.
Check out their cartridge replacement service - very useful if you are anything like me and terrified of being stuck without your nicotine fix!"- Sedansa Europe
Sedansa are European based and offer some great products. Their e-cigarette is recognized by aficionados as being one of the most powerful.
So if you like a good lungful perhaps the Sedansa is the one for you.- E-cig China
- E-cig offer a large variety of products competitively priced.
They aren't great quality - many users have reported breakages, and the vapor is a bit thin.
The customer service is good though, and faulty items are replaced quickly. Perhaps a good choice for those low on dough who just want to give it a try.
Advantages of electronic smoking products
- CLEAN: Contains none of the carcinogenic chemicals that constitute cigarette smoke are in the e-cigarette vapor.
- SAFE: With the exception of nicotine, all the ingredients are rigorously tested and certified food-safe.
- CHEAP: Far cheaper than smoking - savings for the average smoker are over $2000 per year.
- SOCIABLE: Does not emit any smoke - just a harmless water-based vapor that dissipates quickly and doesn't linger and doesn't harm those around you.
- LEGAL: Beat the ban! Because of the above, e-smoking is perfectly legal in all public places where a smoking ban is in force.
- AUTHENTIC: Just like smoking! The sensation of smoking an e-cigarette is almost identical to that of of tobacco - but it is not doing the harm that smoke does to your body.
- CO FREE: No carbon monoxide whatsoever - the chief cause of heart disease in tobacco smokers.
- FRESH: No smell! Your clothes stay fresh and you don't reek of tobacco.
Tips for buying your first e-cigarette
- Buy a named brand such as an NJOY (USA/worldwide) or a Sedansa (Europe/Worldwide) so you don't risk getting sub-quality "gray technology". Plus you get proper customer service, guarantee and warranty.
- Buy medium nicotine cartridges, not the max strength variety. If available, get some different flavors.
- When it arrives, charge the batteries fully - just like you would with a new cellphone.
- Go to electronic-cigarette-forum.com to chat to other users for tips and tricks
- buy an additional battery! Nothing is more frustrating than using up all the power in your batteries and being without.
E-cigarette websites
A couple of sites that offer even more information on e-cigarettes.
- Cigatron
- A site I have set up with a view to getting and distributing as much information on e-cigarettes as is possible.
- Cigatron
- A site I have set up with a view to getting and distributing as much information on e-cigarettes as is possible.
- The electronic cigarette forum
- A great little forum with some very knowledgeable members - the perfect place to start if you have any questions at all about e-cig technology.
- The electronic cigarette forum
- A great little forum with some very knowledgeable members - the perfect place to start if you have any questions at all about e-cig technology.
- E-cigarette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Wikipedia's entry for the electronic cigarette
- E-cigarette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Wikipedia's entry for the electronic cigarette
- Chinese e-cigarette helps you stub out the habit | Lifestyle ...
- The first worldwide news report on the electronic cigarette from Reuters News Agency.
- Chinese e-cigarette helps you stub out the habit | Lifestyle ...
- The first worldwide news report on the electronic cigarette from Reuters News Agency.
- Njoy USA
- Njoy sell the best quality e-cigarette available in the US. They offer a full 30 day money back guarantee and one year warranty. Plus you can get 20% of all purchases by using the coupon code "Smokey" (uppercase "S") at checkout!
- Njoy USA
- Njoy sell the best quality e-cigarette available in the US. They offer a full 30 day money back guarantee and one year warranty. Plus you can get 20% of all purchases by using the coupon code "Smokey" (uppercase "S") at checkout!
- Njoy international
- Njoy now have a worldwide sales operation. You can also receive a 20% discount from Njoy International by writing your order in their comments box on the contact page with the coupon code "uko1kw"
They will send you an electronic invoice with the 20% discount applied! - Njoy international
- Njoy now have a worldwide sales operation. You can also receive a 20% discount from Njoy International by writing your order in their comments box on the contact page with the coupon code "uko1kw"
They will send you an electronic invoice with the 20% discount applied!
Electronic Cigarette Photos
E-cig YouTube videos
Smarter Smokers Smoke Smokeless!
The e-cigarette is the device smokers have been waiting for.
What do you think?
Thanks for dropping by! Please let me know what you think of the electronic cigarette, whether you own one or not.
Do you like the concept? Are you a smoker thinking of getting one? Will you buy one for a smoker close to you?
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ojkershaw
Teri, my feeling is that the max strength may be too much for some people and that it's worth starting with medium and seeing if that's strong enough. Posted September 01, 2008 |
Teri
Why do say not to get the max strength?
Posted September 01, 2008
BJ
I think the idea is a blessing and I hope to start soon.
Posted August 15, 2008
Ric
Great introduction to the e cigarette. I've been using one for the last 2 months and haven't smoked tobacco since I started. I try to keep people up date with the E Cigarette and smoking cessation in general on my E Cigarette blog. Check it out if you get a chance.
Posted August 12, 2008
Stef
I love the concept. I'm waiting for my NJOY to arrive. If it works out well my husband is going to get one too.
Posted June 03, 2008
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