Alternative Smoke

Electronic cigarette is a word known by many tobacco users, but one that is new to my vocabulary.

An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a tube that is made up of an atomizer, a battery, and a cartridge. It looks like an ordinary cigarette, yet a vapor is produced instead of smoke and the lithium battery can be charged by wall USB, or through a car charger. Liquid nicotine can be found in the cartridges and contains water, nicotine and propylene glycol.

The major route of purchase is through the web because few stores carry this new alternative. Online retailer E Cigarettes National is the most popular vendor in the United States' offering a kit, the Opus, with a 30-day money back guarantee and 60 day warranty.

The Opus comes with 10 replacement cartridges, two atomizers, two batteries, and three chargers. Starter kits usually range from $30 to $40 and have many flavors, replacement cartridges and attractive warranties.

However, cost does make a difference. The Opus is $149.95, and for some cigarette users that can be a deterrent.

"I have thought about using electronic cigarettes, but they are so expensive," said Dan Andre, a UT junior.

Andre is leery about trying something he doesn't know he will like, and because he thinks there is a lack of availability, which doesn't sound attractive.

One positive characteristic is that smokers will be able to smoke anywhere since there isn't second hand smoke produced; whereas the use of traditional tobacco products requires users be at least 30 feet away from buildings in Ohio, this also applies to UT's campus.

E Cigarettes National is positive consumers will be satisfied with their product and have stated if a buyer isn't happy a full refund will be given to the customer with no questions asked.

For Alex Csizek, a UT sophomore, this offer sounds more appealing than traditional cigarettes.

"I have heard it's healthier and I would try it if the electronic cigarettes would help me quit smoking," Csizek said.

However, according to Health.com the use of e-cigarettes is an alternative to smoking and not a successful quitting method. It goes on to note that this new alternative may be the "21st-century equivalent of candy cigarettes — attractive to children and teens as a sort of gateway drug for real cigarettes."

The levels in these e-cigarettes can range from near nonexistent to toxic; and despite their supposed health benefits, they too may contain harmful additives.

A study by Health New Zealand Ltd in Oct. of 2008 stated that cancer causing agents, or carcinogens, are present, but the levels are not as high as those within their cigarette counterpart.

"Based on the manufacturer's information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended," the study said.

However, Health Canada sent out an advisory against e-cigarettes in March 2009 because of the likelihood of nicotine poisoning.

"Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction," the advisory said.