Posted on 25th Jan 2010 @ 5:39 PM

FDA report:  Electronic Cigarettes are much safer than tobacco cigarettes

Information the media ignored

A few months ago, the FDA announced that their laboratory tests detected carcinogens (tobacco-specific nitrosamines) in electronic cigarettes and warned electronic cigarette smokers to stop using electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes.  This scare tactic certainly made front page news, but it was not the entire story. 

Nitrosamines are compounds that are in tobacco cigarettes, but are also found in beer, fish, meat and cheese. The levels of these compounds were found in trace amounts in electronic cigarettes, especially when compared to tobacco cigarettes.  Dr. Michael Siegel, a physician who specializes in public health and preventative medicine, states that the nitrosamine levels found in electronic cigarettes are comparable to levels in nicotine replacement products, such as NicoDerm CQ, which are approved by the FDA. "In contrast, the level of tobacco-specific nitrosamines present in tobacco products are 300 to 1400 times higher."

The FDA seems to be trying to sway public opinion by not providing all the facts to the consumer.  Gina King of www.E-CigaretteDirect.com stated that the "FDA scare intimidated some of our customers.  After learning all the facts, customers continued to place their electronic cigarette orders.  We feel that electronic cigarettes are a healthier option for cigarette smokers.  Our sales have increased at astounding rates every month.  This demonstrates the need of these potentially life-saving products by consumers."

Electronic cigarettes are touted by some to help them quit smoking.  Many e-cigarette smokers claim they feel better and breathe easier using electronic cigarettes versus traditional tobacco cigarettes.  Distributors of electronic cigarettes say that their products have helped many people kick the habit. 

Electronic cigarettes are intended to replace traditional cigarettes.  They produce no second-hand smoke, allowing e-cigarette smokers to 'smoke' inside establishments that normally ban tobacco cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes contain only 20 ingredients, as opposed to tobacco cigarettes that contain over 4,000 chemicals, including known toxins and carcinogens. 

Several leading tobacco researchers, including Dr. Siegel and Dr. Joel Nitzkin of the AAPHP Tobacco Control task Force have criticized the FDA and request that the FDA validate their warning with more substantial scientific evidence.  You can read Dr. Siegel's analysis of the FDA data and a comparison of electronic cigarettes versus tobacco cigarettes at E-CigaretteDirect.com

E-Cigarette - E-CigaretteDirect.com is an online resource, store and community for electronic cigarette smokers.  Visit www.e-cigarettedirect.com