5 Benefits of the Electronic Cigarette:

1. Health.  The most dangerous aspect of smoking is the actual smoke and the associated tar, carcinogens and other chemicals that are inhaled into the lungs.  With an e-cigarette nothing is actually lit, so there is no smoke, tar or carcinogens.  The nicotine is vaporized into a mist that looks and feels like smoke, but isn’t smoke.  This is clearly a much healthier alternative.

2. Cost.  The cost of the nicotine cartridges is where you really save a lot of money. An electronic cigarette nicotine cartridge is about the equivalent of 1 – 1.5 packs of tobacco cigarettes.  A package of 5 cartridges will cost you around $15. This comes out to about $2-$3 per pack… this is a huge savings!

3. Convenience.  You can smoke an e-cigarette anywhere because there is no smoke being emitted.  You may get some funny looks if you suddenly start “vaping” in a restaurant or bar so you may want to get permission from management first.  But technically you can do this in any public area because there is no second-hand smoke to be concerned with.

4. Smell.  There is no lingering odor so no more worrying about stinky breath, hair, clothes, hands, etc. You won’t be offending anyone with second hand smoke and no one can complain about the smell.

5. Peace of mind.  You will have the peace of mind knowing that you’re choosing a healthier alternative.  True, you’re still absorbing nicotine but at least you’re avoiding the the incredibly dangerous smoke and 4,000 toxic chemicals associated with tobacco cigarettes.

A lot of people wonder if electronic smoking can help a person quit smoking altogether.  There have not been enough clinical studies to prove this one way or another so this is still a debatable subject.  However, other nicotine delivery alternatives like gum, patches, etc., are commonly used as a part of many stop-smoking approaches.  Common sense would suggest that the electronic cigarette has the potential to do the same.

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What exactly is an electronic cigarette?  Here is a description of what it is, how it works and how it can potentially benefit you or a loved one.

The e-cigarette is a battery powered device that looks, feels, tastes, and reacts like a cigarette… but it’s not a real cigarette!  It even delivers nicotine but without the harmful smoke, tar and chemicals associated with real tobacco smoke.  The nicotine is inhaled via a clean odorless vapor.

An electronic cigarette is typically made up of three parts:

1. Atomizer

2. Battery

3. Nicotine Cartridge

NOTE: Some of the newer models combine the atomizer and nicotine cartridges as one disposable unit.  The advantage of this is that you always have a fresh atomizer instead of a single atomizer that can become clogged and less efficient over time.  A fresh atomizer will insure that you get the highest volume of vapor on each puff, adding to a more satisfactory smoking experience.

Let’s go over what each component does:

1. Atomizer. This heats up and vaporizes a mixture of liquid nicotine.  The sensation of inhaling this vapor is very similar to real cigarette smoke but without the same health risks.  It even has a warm feel to it which adds to a realistic experience. The vapor produces a cloud that looks like smoke but is actually just a mist that quickly disappears.

2. Battery.  Nothing too complicated here, just a rechargeable battery that powers the atomizer. It is shaped to look like the body of a real cigarette.  The lifespan of batteries varies from model to model.  The lifespan depends on the number of mouth puffs.  Typically you will get 150 – 400 puffs before having to recharge the battery.

3. Nicotine cartridge.  These cartridges are made up of a water/nicotine solution.  A single cartridge is typically the equivalent of 1 – 1.5 packs of tobacco cigarettes.  Different nicotine strengths are available in high, low, or medium.  Most manufacturers also offer a variety of flavors ranging from traditional tobacco flavor, menthol, vanilla, chocolate and fruit flavors.

The electronic cigarette is surprisingly similar to the real thing but without the same health risks.  There is no lingering offensive odor. It’s also a lot less expensive than tobacco cigarettes.  This combined with the fact that you can use it anywhere makes e-smoking a sensible and healthier alternative, one worth considering either for yourself or a loved one.

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However, because it’s a relatively new device that is just coming into public awareness, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the electronic cigarette.  Is it safe?  Can it help you quit smoking?  Is there a danger of more kids getting addicted to nicotine?  These are all sensible questions that need to be addressed in order for you to make an intelligent decision whether this is something you could benefit from.

The following are a list of 10 FAQs about the electronic cigarette:

1. How close to the real thing is it?  Very similar… enough to satisfy the most hardcore smokers.  There are many reports of smokers with 1-2 pack a day habits completely switching over to e-cigarettes permanently.  The vapor tastes, feels and looks like tobacco smoke.  It delivers that instant nicotine satisfaction that smokers crave.

2. Is it safe?  Tobacco smoke has over 4,000 toxic chemicals.  Electronic smoking has none of these because there is no actual smoke involved.  Smoke is the real health hazard.  E-cigarettes deliver nicotine by inhaling a vaporized water/nicotine solution without having to worry about tar, carbon monoxide, etc.

A report by the Royal College of Physicians states that nicotine by itself has not been proven to cause any long term ill health effects.  Electronic cigarette vapor has about 20 ingredients (including nicotine) all of which are considered safe as long as the proper instructions are followed.

3. Can it help me quit smoking?  Electronic cigarettes are NOT marketed as smoking cessation devices.  They are  meant to be used by smokers who are seeking an alternative that can be used anywhere.  That being said, common sense dictates that it definitely has potential to be an integral part of a sensible stop-smoking program (similar to how nicotine gum and patches are used).

4. Is it approved by the FDA?  The e-cigarette is a nicotine delivery device and doesn’t fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA right now.

5. Why are certain groups so opposed to it?  This is a complicated question.  Certain groups may have the public’s best interests in mind and just want more clinical studies to be done.  Others have a financial interest in trying to figure out the best way to capitalize on what is probably going to be a billion dollar industry soon.

6. Can it be used anywhere?  Technically, yes.  There is no burning tobacco so no second hand smoke is produced.  Although it is totally acceptable in most public places, there are certain areas like restaurants that may not like the appearance of it.  In these cases simply check with the staff first.

7. Does it target kids?  Absolutely not!  There is a lot of misinformation regarding this topic.  Some anti-groups are claiming that because a variety of flavors like fruit, vanilla, chocolate, etc. are available this is going to appeal to kids.  That’s like saying because nicotine gum comes in a variety of flavors like mint or fruit it’s catering to a younger crowd.  Adults enjoy a variety of flavor choices too!  The bottom line is the initial cost for an electronic cigarette starter kit (usually around $100 or so) is not practical for most kids.  The market is adult smokers looking for a healthier alternative smoking choice.

8. What is the best e-cigarette?  This is where you need to use a bit of discrimination.  There has been a lot of cheap designs coming out of China that are wrought with mechanical problems.  Luckily there are a handful of high-quality manufacturers out there.  A little bit of research will help you decide.  Just remember that sometimes it’s worth spending a few more dollars one time to ensure you get a high quality device that is capable of giving you an enjoyable and problem-free smoking experience.

9. How much does it cost?  A quality starter kit (including rechargeable battery, charger and 5 nicotine cartridges) will run you around $100 – $150.  A package of 5 cartridges will run you around $10 – $15.  I cartridge is about the equivalent of 1 – 1.5 packs of cigarettes.  Do the math.  That’s the equivalent of paying around $2 – $3 per pack of cigarettes

10. Where can I buy one?  Because it’s still fairly new, not many stores are carrying these yet.  The best deals can be found online.  Go to (www.yoursite.com) to check out some of the best electronic cigarettes available today.

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