2. Viable Alternative to Cigarettes
Related Links:
ECigarette Direct Response to MHRA Proposal to Regulate Electronic Cigarettes as Medicines
We believe electronic cigarettes are an attractive and feasible alternative to the cigarettes which kill more than 100,000 Brits every year.
Experts such as Dr Joel Nitzkin estimate that the danger posed by electronic cigarettes is considerably less than 1% that of traditional cigarettes. 2
In contrast to the ingredients of tobacco cigarettes, FDA tests on the ingredients of the electronic cigarette showed that the electronic cigarettes tested contained nitrosamines hundreds of times lower than tobacco cigarettes and at similar levels to those contained in existing nicotine cessation aids. 3 Independent testing of the NJOY's vapour (as opposed to its ingredients) showed that no toxic nitrosamines at all were produced. 4
In contrast to cigarettes, combustion does not take place. According to scientific experts at tobaccoharmreduction.org, combustion is the main cause of harm in the tobacco cigarette.
30% of house fire deaths in the UK are caused by tobacco smokers. A local fire service is considering offering free electronic cigarettes to elderly smokers at risk. In contrast, electronic cigarettes pose no fire hazard.
A survey of electronic cigarette users also found that e-cigarette users experienced numerous short term health benefits when compared to their previous experiences of smoking tobacco cigarettes. 5 This in no way implies that these products must be considered medicines. (Similar health benefits would be felt by those taking more exercise, for example, which would not require a MHRA MA either.)
David Sweanor, a former advisor on tobacco control to the WHO, informed us that:
"If there is anyone who believes cigarettes are no more hazardous than e-cigarettes I’d recommend a remedial course in basic sciences."
A comparison of the risks of smoking e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes, he told us, would be that between playing with a football and playing with a live grenade. 6
Given that tobacco cigarettes kill between 1/3 and 1/2 of long term users, we believe that the electronic cigarette should be available as widely as possible as a recreational alternative for smokers.
2 Nitzkin, J: http://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/interviews/joel-nitzkin-electronic-cigarette.html
3 Siegel M. Comparison of Carcinogen Levels Shows that Electronic Cigarettes are Much Safer Than Conventional Ones: http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2009/07/comparison.html
4 NJOY Tests http://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/research/NJOY-analyze-report.pdf
5 Electronic Cigarettes (E Cigarettes) As a Potential Harm Reduction Product http://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/research/electronic-cigarette-working-paper.html
6 Sweanor, D: http://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/interviews/david-sweanor-2.html
E Cigarette Direct is the UK based online retailer of the NJOY electronic cigarette. E Cigarette Direct has a strong interest in promoting research into the electronic cigarette and tobacco harm reduction, and you can find interviews with doctors and scientists on its website as well as summaries of recent research.