Tobacco smoking has been practised around the world since 2000 years ago. No one bothered to question the practice until the 1600's, when scientists discovered that tobacco contains a load of different types of carcinogens. Surprisingly, man’s tobacco smoking habit has continued along with its known health risks.
Today, a new product for smoking, called electronic cigarettes (AKA e cigarettes or e-cigs), has emerged. Discussions around the topic of e cigarettes vs tobacco cigarettes have been going on not only in the UK, but in other major world markets as well. An article by Sarah Longwell for SFGate.com takes on the argument that criticisms against e cigarette smoking or vaping have little basis.
"Despite the uniqueness of this product, overzealous lawmakers are champing at the bit to ban e-cigarettes, egged on by career activists who see a public health threat wherever they look. Chicago and New York City have already caved to activist pressure. And now, thanks to a swift vote, Los Angeles is set to extend its blanket prohibition of public cigarette smoking to e-cigs, which emit only vapor, not smoke. But before San Francisco heads in a similar direction, voters should know the truth about e-cigarettes.
First and foremost, e-cigarettes are not cigarettes and do not carry the associated harms. TheAmerican Association of Public Health Physicians has noted that smokers could reduce their risk of tobacco-related death "by 99.9 percent or better" by switching to products like e-cigarettes. That's quite a reduction."
The danger in tobacco smoking comes from the harmful chemicals naturally present in tobacco. If these chemicals were to be removed from the formula, it makes more than a reasonable assumption that smoking would be a much safer activity.
This is actually what e cigarettes are designed to do: reduce the health risks associated with tobacco, while providing similar relief as smoking. The e liquid content of e cigarettes only consists of liquid nicotine, compared to the 2000 carcinogenic chemicals in dried tobacco. Likewise, there is also the option of nicotine-free e-liquid, which carries none of the addictive properties of nicotine.
In addition to this, flavours can be added to e-liquid products giving e-cig users a whole range of vaping experiences. Vapers can now satisfy their craving for a smoke while savouring such flavours as chocolate, fruits, and even spices.
Likewise, vaping does not leave behind the oppressive smoke and odor that tobacco smoking does. Quality e-liquid from noted suppliers like Vapetime UK Ltd contains only simple ingredients that make the vaping experience more pleasant and less overwhelming than smoking tobacco.
(Source: E-cigarettes safe; no need for S.F. to ban them , SFGate.com, March 17, 2014)