THE E-CIGARETTE

The buzz on the e-cigarette
by Leo Marvin P. Balante

The electronic cigarette—China’s response on the challenge to put a stop on the increasing hazards of smoking across the globe—has taken a big leap in terms of sales from its invention back in 2004. The battery-operated alternative to regular tobacco products has been in circulation in an attempt to recapture the essence of smoking “the real thing without the health risks.”

Across Europe alone, leading manufacturer EdSylver reports, “We have seen sales grow by 30 percent each year since 2007 when we launched our product.” Here, the ballooned product sales of the e-cigarette is said to be the result of the Anti-Tobacco law that forced the known heavy-smoking populace across Europe to patronize the many variations of the said product. Recently, Spain joined the wave of countries imposing strict Anti-Tobacco laws creating more predictions of an increase in its sales even more despite the also increasing criticisms on the product.

The plastic cigarettes, engineered to produce non-nicotine based vaporized solution and “copy” the physical sensation of actual smoking, has created a lot of buzz as they are dubbed as the “revolutionary” answer to those who want to lessen the danger of smoking or better yet, to help quit the activity. While it has been marketed to ease off the amount of nicotine and tar intake to smokers, the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes also brought about numerous debates on its efficiency and on its effect to one’s health.

Known tobacco expert, Eduardo Bianco, declared in a World Health Organization conference in Uruguay last November, that the production of the plastic cigarettes sabotages and belittles efforts to stop smoking. The e-cigarette is predominantly considered a major health concern on consumers such that the users are inhaling artificial smoke from these “mini aerosols.”

In France, authorities have continued to frown upon the risks that may arise from using e-cigarettes. The National Office for Smoking Prevention is still sceptical about the main reason for the invention of the product, seconded by French National Committee Against Tobacco head Professor Yves Martinet saying, “For the moment, this product has not been evaluated in a scientific way.” In fact, a growing list of countries banning the product should also be taken into consideration–including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Israel, and Mexico. The US, on the other hand, imposed strict e-cigarette regulation on shipments for safety issues.

Even more talk on the product, from the side of the tobacco sellers, state that the manufacturers’ claim of the product’s market success is false. “Some of our members still have stocks from last year,” divulged Gerard Bohelay, an association of tobacco retailers head in France.

Despite the heavy seesaw of praise and negative critiques on the product, the electronic cigarettes continue to create a fan base even in the Philippines as it has swayed a growing number of consumers who wants to utilize what manufacturers advertise as a safer way to smoking. “If you want to try to quit smoking but still want take a few puffs here and there, e-cigarettes is the deal! No need for nicotine patches because it has helped create an illusion of smoking real cigars without the ‘nicotine part of it.’ Smoking indoors is also quite cool so why not take advantage of the product,” said product user architect Jin Li.

MY THOUGHTS

yeah! why not? the artificial smoke is probably better than the real thing. good or bad, i don't think it should be allowed inside offices. i kind of like the professional ambiance of a no-smoking office.