The e-cigarrete, a Controversy

It kills over 400,000 Americans each year. One in five Americans are addicted to it, yet it is 100% legal to use and consume. Everyone that does it knows that it will eventually kill them, yet Americans still continue to smoke. However a new product has hit the market that is helping many to quit. It looks and has the same effects as a traditional cigarette yet none of the ingredients that kill people. This alternative is called an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette and is pictured in figure 1. The practice of using the e-cigarette is called vaping. Although the long term ramifications of vaping are still unknown, e-cigarettes are a more desirable substitute to traditional smoking. The simplicity of ingredients inhaled, the controllable nicotine levels, and the benefits to the greater public are what have proven that e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative for us all.

So what exactly is an e-cigarette? It is a battery powered device that delivers nicotine to its user in the form of vapor. The FDA published a definition on its website. It explains that they are composed of a rechargeable battery, a heating element, and a tank or replaceable cartridge. An atomizer heats the contents inside the tank known as “juice” into a vapor. The vapor is then inhaled by its user. But it comes down to the ingredients in the juice that makes the e-cigarette a better choice.

The American Lung Association states on their website that there are approximately 600 ingredients in a traditional cigarette. When it is burned, it creates more than 4,000 chemicals and 50 of them are known to cause cancer. More specifically, cigarettes contain ingredients like acetone, arsenic, carbon monoxide, lead, and tar to name a few. However, many people who smoke ar...

... middle of paper ...

...ivityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CA358800865&source=Bookmark&u=mccweb_riosalado&jsid=b8ac2eccfb02af55c396c1dec4a0c7b5

Siegel, Michael. “E-Cigarette Vapor Is Less Harmful than Secondhand Smoke.” Tobacco and Smoking. Opposing Viewpoints. 09 November 2010. Web. 06 Mar 2014. http://ic.galegroup.com.ezp1r.riosalado.edu/ic/ovic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=OVIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Reference&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=OVIC&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010170413&source=Bookmark&u=mccweb_riosalado&jsid=a1e2e08ce614a0b3fa3d3c1086256778.

“What’s in a Cigarette?” American Lung Association. N.D. Web 06 Mar 2014. http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/facts-figures/whats-in-a-cigarette.html