As if we didn’t already know smoking was harmful to your health, a new study by lead researcher Amy Sapkota, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health.
In an interview, Sapkota stated, “Most people focused on the chemical carcinogens and other particulate matter…no one looked in-depth at the microbes that might be there…that might cause infections and chronic diseases in smokers.”
Existing research strongly suggests that some bacteria is hardy enough to survive the trip from the cigarette deep into the smoker’s lungs, or worse, through the air into the lungs of others as second-hand smoke.
It is well-known that people who experience second-hand smoke
The brands tested included Marlboro Red, Lucky Strike, Camel and Kool Filter.
January 14, 2010
Federal Judege Richard J. Leon granted two electronic cigarette distributors a preliminary injunction against the FDA.
The Judge called the FDA’s arguments in the case, “…bootstrapping run amok.”
In his 32-page memorandum, the Judge ruled that the devices are not regulated by the FDA as a drug-device combination.
In FDA v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., the Supreme Court determined that tobacco products such as traditional cigarettes are not subject to FDA regulation.
The importers, in their court paperwork, allege that their product is a healthier alternative to smoking real cigarettes. In other words, delivering the nicotine that is desired without the smoke, tar, tobacoo or carbon monoxide.
Electronic cigarettes are also less expensive than traditional cigarettes and are allowed in places that have banned cigarettes. They are not now and have never been intended to help a person stop smoking, or reduce their dependence on nicotine.
It is also a matter of record that the case shows over 735,000 units sold by these two companies over a period of years and the FDA was unable to show that these devices have harmed anyone. Therefore, it was determined NOT to be in the public interest to ban the sale or importation of these devices.
What are the differences between regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes?
There are a number of chemical differences between regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes simulate the experience of smoking without the smoke, fire or 4,000 chemicals contained in conventional cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes are composed of a battery, an atomizer, and a cartridge. The cartridges are usually available in a variety of flavors, including menthol, to more accurately simulate the traditional smoking experience.
The user can also choose their preferred level of nicotine, or elect to have a nicotine-free cartridge.
When the user inhales a burst of nicotine and propylene glycol vapor is generated. The result is a harmless vapor that does not violate smoking bans in most locations.