FDA to regulate e-cigs

It’s only been recently that e-cigs or vaping has come into the limelight. In fact, they have been around since the 1960’s. A patent for an electronic smoking device similar to the ones used today was filed in 1963. That original idea never really got off the ground, however, because smoking was very common and widely accepted, and the technology just wasn’t available at that time.

Later, a Chinese pharmacist developed an electronic cigarette after his father died from lung cancer. With his backing and support, soon Runyan was founded and e-cigs hit the market.

It wasn’t until 2007 that they were made available in the American market. That market was infested with questions, criticism, hype, and debate.

By 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) had seemingly dodged any questions of risk involved, a New Zealand study deemed them safer than cigarettes, and Australia and Canada banned them. Since then, other countries and some US states have banned their sale and use as well. The battle continues to rage.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) long held the opinion that e-cigs production was ‘a free for all’, not following any sort of protocol, and that it should be kept under their watchful eye. After years of debate, the FDA has won out, and today, 499 pages of new regulations aimed at E-cig producers are on the books.

Of the highest priorities, are banning the sale of e-cigs to minors and requiring manufacturers to give a detailed account of the ingredients and processes in e-cig production. The new federal regulations include all production involved with e-cigs and the flavored vaping liquids, right down to the small shop owners who are mixing their own.

But, take heart vape lovers, the government has given the producers 2 years to comply. For now, at least, you’re safe. But, the smoke isn’t likely to clear on this issue anytime soon.

Health experts are divided on whether e-cigs actually help people stop smoking traditional cigarettes or simply infect them with unknown chemicals and toxins for which no long term health effect has been established. Even with the new regulations, we can’t possibly know the answers for years to come.

Other experts are convinced that aside from the lack of tobacco, e-cigs have no real advantage in helping one quit smoking. You are still holding a device in your hand, bringing it to your mouth, inhaling a substance, and exhaling ‘smoke’. This habit, say some, is just as much a part of the addiction.

E-cig backers and enthusiasts contend that the flavors and scents are enticing and do not cling to clothes or have the foul odor of traditional cigarettes. They also cite price as a positive, as e-cigs are generally less than half the cost (after start-up kit) of regular cigarettes. They are safer, as no fire or flame is used. Although, there have been rare cases of e-cigs exploding. And, although likely frowned upon, it is legal to smoke an e-cig in a no smoking area in most cases.

Everyone knows the hazards of traditional cigarette smoking. While e-cigs offer a seemingly more pleasant experience and immunity on the tobacco issue, the verdict is still out on whether they are truly safe.

So, why do you vape? If you are serious about trying to quit smoking, we can help. At searchRx, you can find stop smoking medications and discounts on prescriptions that are proven to help you stop. Contact us for more information.