method of smoking can become a slippery slope into a higher nicotine addiction. Let’s examine the aspects.
Supporters of the e-cigarette argue that they are a healthy alternative to tobacco cigarettes.
By eliminating the carcinogens and tar, the e-cigarette significantly reduces health risks, such as disease and cancer, not only to the user but also those around second hand smoke (Siegel). However, those who oppose this product claim that the e-cigarette still contains harmful substances, even substances found in anti-freeze (Siegel). In a study of 388 volunteers 318 experienced negative health effects (dry throat, mouth), 69 experienced positive side effects, and one remained neutral (Hua, Alfi, Mina, Talbot). Not only have harmful substances been found in these nicotine concentrations, the product is still so new there are no accurate long term studies yet available. For those using the e-cigarette as a cessation tool, these substances may be the lesser of two evils; However, those who constantly puff on theirs may want to reconsider their …show more content…
habit.
Those in opposition of the e-cigarette argue that the potential the user has to misuse the tool is very high. The convenience of the device and the ease of smoking in any public space makes plenty of room for the user to redevelop a nicotine addiction, and may even encourage non-smokers to pick up a nicotine addiction (S.C.S). When this is considered, the health effects of nicotine consumption must be considered as well. Short term studies have shown a change in blood pressure and increased heart rates in those smoking e-cigarettes (Hua, Alfi, Mina, Prue). Those who back use of the e-cigarette have a different perspective, and consider it a very effective product for cutting back on nicotine ingestion. A plus to the e-cigarette isn’t only nicotine replacement, it comes with all of the behavioral aspects that come along with smoking (Gorski). Only three out of a hundred tobacco users will successfully kick their habit in a given year, and it has been proved that many e-cigarette owners have either quit or limited their habit significantly thanks to this smoking cessation tool (Siegel).
The e-cigarette is becoming extremely popular, and many believe this is a very positive thing.
It is a healthier and wiser decision for smokers who don’t want their bodies, or others’ bodies to be affected (Siegel). With the device’s growing acceptance rate, many will choose to cross over to the e-cigarette route. This is seen as a problem to those who oppose the issue for several reasons. This new fad is making the e-cigarette fashionable which may result in higher nicotine consumption, and even act as a gateway for those who never smoked before (S.C.S.). The ability one has to select different flavors is exciting, and can feel like picking out candy. This can be incredibly attractive to children (S.C.S.), and make smoking as socially acceptable, even as ‘cool’ as it was in the 50’s and 60’s. This could be terrifying to some, and an exciting development to
others.
As one can clearly see, the existence of the e-cigarette comes with many aspects to consider. It has health benefits and health concerns, it is used as a healthy alternative or a smoking cessation tool (depending on the user’s perspective), and it’s increasing popularity holds the future of the e-cigarette in a rather mysterious position. The potential this tool has to reduce smoking to nothing is very great, but since the tool has been becoming somewhat of a fad, perhaps we will only see more and more.
Works Cited
Gorski, David. “E-cigarettes: The growing popularity of an unregulated drug delivery device.”
Science-Based Medicine. Novella, Steve MD. 19 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.
Hua, My; Alfi, Mina BS; Talbot, Prue BS, MS, PhD. “Health-Related Effects Reported by Electronic Cigarette Users in Online Forums.” Journal of Medical Internet Research. 4 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.
S.C.S. "Who opposes e-cigarettes, and why?" The Economist. 17 Jun 2013. Web. 27 Jan 2014.
Siegel, Michael. "What 's Not to Like?" New York Times. 20 Aug 2013. Web. 27 Jan 2014.