Electronic Cigarettes: A Risky Alternative to Smoking

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I. Introduction
a. Audience hook: Everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by cigarette smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 40 million current cigarette smokers in the United States and greater than 16 million Americans live with diseases caused by smoking (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Recent data from the CDC reveals that about 70% of current smokers want to quit (CDC, 2015). Electronic cigarettes are becoming very popular as a less harmful alternative to smoking and may be viewed as a possible cessation tool.
b. Thesis statement: Research suggest that electronic cigarettes, while less harmful than conventional cigarettes, have significant health risk and safety concerns.
c. Preview of main points:
i. The electronic cigarette is quickly gaining popularity and acceptance in society. ii. The health risk and safety concerns with electronic cigarettes include, the lack of regulations regarding the devices and solutions used, the use and exposure among the pediatric population, and the risk of use during pregnancy.
II. …show more content…

Children can be exposed to e-cigarettes by using the product or exposure to the ingredients. Children and adolescents have been known to mimic adult behaviors, so seeing adults use these products may entice them to smoke e-cigarettes. These products are available as brightly colored devices, sometimes decorated with fake gemstones and cartoon characters and these would appeal to children and possibly adults as well. The liquid used in e-cigarettes contains nicotine and flavorings that are often available in flavors that would appeal to children for example, watermelon and bubble gum. Liquid nicotine is known to have toxic effects if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin (Trimarchi & Cassidy, 2011). Children coming in contact with the liquid from these devices can become very ill (American Association of Poison Control Centers [AAPCC],

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