Oct 11, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- That electronic cigarettes resemble the real
thing is part of the reason they have seen enormous success since they hit the
market approximately three years ago.
E-cigs, as they're called, consist of a steel tube loaded with a liquid
cartridge. They have a light-emitting diode on the end that is activated when a
user -- they call themselves vapers -- takes a pull, simulating burning tobacco.
The vaper's drag on the device activates a heating mechanism, producing vapor
that looks like smoke but is odorless and dissipates quickly.
The similarity to conventional cigarettes only begins with appearance. Vapers
laud the device's ability to capture the smoking experience -- an ability that
has eluded government-approved smoking cessation devices, such as transdermal
patches, gums and candies, and snus, a form of snuff.
Vapers say they enjoy the satisfying sensation of having a volume of flavored
vapor actually hit their throats. Some of the vapor-producing liquids contain
nicotine; others do not. Vapers are able to combine flavors and nicotine levels
to suit individual needs.
"I can say I enjoy (vaping), even if it's zero nicotine," said Bonnie Martin, a
smoker-turned-vaper, who said she has purchased and enjoys all the flavors.
"There may come a time when I lose interest in it, but right now I enjoy the way
that it tastes. A combination of a tobacco blend and caramel is my everyday
vape."
There are numerous liquid cartridge flavors, including fruit. E-cig detractors
express fear the flavors may make vaping attractive to minors, who may start
vaping and develop a nicotine addiction.
Mark Levy, a spokesman for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, expressed
concern e-cigs are being marketed to young people and could present a gateway to
tobacco use.
"A firm rule in our association is that members cannot market to those under the
legal smoking age," said Matt Salmon, a former Republican congressman from
Arizona and president of the Electronic Cigarette Association. He said he sent a
letter to every member of Congress requesting legislative action making sales of
e-cigs to minors illegal.
The e-cig market has so far proven highly successful.
"The industry's on track to do about $100 million in sales. From nothing three
years ago to $100 million in annual sales for an industry, is phenomenal," said
Salmon. E-cig prices vary widely but Salmon said the average is about $80.
"The cartridges themselves -- quite a bit less expensive. If a person uses those
in lieu of tobacco, they'll pay for themselves within a very short period of
time," said Salmon.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International