Posted on 12th Jun 2009 @ 10:18 AM

 Smokers who have turned to the electronic cigarette to help them quit smoking have their own voice and can be heard at the e-cigarette forum One of the most controversial topics currently rumbling on and on is the future of electronic cigarettes. I don´t think it´s unreasonable to suggest that these ´smoking´ devices are polarising the population, or at least the part of the population that is aware of their existence.

The jostling arises because the electronic cigarette companies claim their product is much ´safer´ and ´healthier´ than a traditional cigarette, which if you take a moment to look through an e cigarette´s ingredients does appear to be the case. For a starter, there is no tobacco present, so immediately this sets itself apart from tobacco smoking.

Apparently during the burning of tobacco there are known to be 40 substances that are potentially cancerous and the distributers of electronic cigarettes claim that none of these are present in their product.

The passionate opposition to electronic cigarettes, at least to me, seems a little odd. I read recently that in the United Kingdom alone, one in five deaths during 2005 was smoking related!

Even if this statistic isn´t accurate, the major dangers of smoking tobacco cigarettes is commonly known, so when a product is launched that claims to be much safer and when common sense would say that if all these dangerous toxins have been removed, even if the electronic cigarette cannot be proved officially ´safe´, surely it does actually have to be ´safer´?

Of course these electronic cigarettes need to be tested and proved and of course it is only fair that they have to go through the same channels and procedures as any other new product but why it would receive such a hard ride when its potential (if proved) could change the face of the planet as we know it, is simply a mystery!

Try as I may, my cynical mind cannot help but think this mystery is a matter of money. Not just any old money either, but millions upon millions of it! The moment the headlines might read ´Electronic Cigarettes Declared Safe´, a mighty tornado is likely to rip through the offices of Mr Tobacco and friends, leaving a giant hole in their pockets!

Yes, it´s that BIG a deal! If electronic cigarettes are not safe or at least safer then let´s put them behind us quickly and start looking for the next thing that might be. Equally though, if e cigs do possess this world changing potential, then whoever is in charge, get your act together, get them tested, get them approved and market them vigorously like you once did with traditional cigarettes. Surely they deserve a chance?

Although I originally began writing about electronic cigarettes for professional reasons, I soon discovered that my personal interest would be great also. My father was a non smoker and died from passive smoking related, lung cancer. I became interested in the debate and its many complexities.

Original Document by Author Jules Price
Date: 10th June 2009