The Increasing Popularity of Electronic Cigarettes

BY: Robert E. Lee

2/28/15

Electronic cigarettes, also known as "E-Cigs" are beginning to emerge as a popular device used amongst individuals for a variety of reasons:

Portability Customization of an individual's electronic cigarette Several assorted flavors to choose from They're cheaper in the long run compared to traditional cigarettes Individuals are exposed to less toxins Individuals control the amount of nicotine in-take Gives the same feel as holding a traditional cigarette

An electronic cigarette is a battery-operated device that utilizes 'E-juice' by heating the nicotine, instead of combusting the nicotine like traditional cigarettes do.

The common components used to create an electronic cigarette are:

Liquid - Concentrated nicotine Wick - which absorbs the nicotine Mouthpiece Lithium Battery Flavor Cartridge Atomizer On/Off button

Just one thirty-milliliter E-juice cartridge is the equivalent to three cartons worth of traditional cigarettes.

The average price of a thirty-milliliter E-juice cartridge is nearly eighteen dollars, whereas three cartons of traditional cigarettes are nearly one hundred and fifty dollars.

Although, the Food and Drug Administration do not currently regulate electronic cigarettes, individuals handling an e-cig should do so with caution. Since electronic cigarettes are not yet regulated, in theory, anyone could make their own "E-Juice" in the comforts of their home, according to Graduate Assistant Nick Felicione. Though, individuals must be at least the age of 18 in order to purchase one, because they still fall under the category of 'tobacco'.

Individuals are under the impression that using an electronic cigarette will help them kick their tobacco habit. Felicione said, this is a common misconception because there are some harmful ingredients listed in an electronic cigarette.

These ingredients are:

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen Nicotine BHA AND BHT preservatives Chemicals that create a caramelized sugar

However, there are also some main, un-harmful ingredients used in an electronic cigarette as well. These are:

Glycerin Glycol ethers Flavorings Natural preservatives

Unfortunately there is a hidden dilemma involved with electronic cigarettes. The vapors they emit could produce tiny particles that users suck deep into their lungs.

Felicione said, this could cause or worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis

Though, not enough time has passed to determine if electronic cigarettes and the vapors they emit have any long-term effects on individuals who use them.

There are known short term effects that exist including:

Sore throat Raspy voice Cough Dry mouth

On average, since the emergence of electronic cigarettes within the last two years, sales have quintupled, according to Felicione.

Electronic cigarettes are being used at all ages, but there are some concerns that because of the 'hype' electronic cigarettes have recently received, children could become susceptible in using one.

However, because not many studies have been conducted on electronic cigarettes, it's difficult to conclude if any long-term effects when using one. It's still plausible to say, that much like the vapors electronic cigarettes emit, the popularity of an individual to purchase one, is on the rise.