Alex King
Literature Review WRT-102 Is Vaping Really Safe? Vaping has become increasingly more popular in the past few years. It can replace smoking a burning clump of leaves with a light, sweet, fruity flavored plume of vapor. Smokers and non-smokers alike are drawn to this invention because it provides a tobacco free way to enjoy the action of “smoking” while removing the tar, ash, carbon monoxide, and that awful smokers’ smell. The biggest question is, “Is vaping actually safe?” Vaping has been studied but scientists are still not sure how it can negatively affect the human body. This literature review pertains to the pros and cons of vaping, while exploring whether or not it is actually safe for inhalation by taking a closer look at these points: 1. The FDA is attempting to regulate electronic cigarettes, yet they do not have enough experimental information to do so. 2. Traces of toxic substances in the vapor itself. 3. How it’s used to replace smoking. 4. Suspected Health Concerns. Researching the pros and cons on vaping allows one to make his/her own decision on whether vaping is safe or not. FDA Regulations. “The rising popularity of electronic cigarettes and concerns over their possible ill-effects have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to fund a $275 million research to gain more information about e-cigarettes and the effects of using the device.” (Lee). [a2] Lee[a3] goes on to explain that this money is being used by three groups. The first group is running studies on the number or puffs an e-cigarette user takes per hour. The second group set up an online store geared towards teens for e-cigarette products to see how advertising trends affect whether or not teens want to buy these products. The third group is monitoring Facebook posts to see how e-cig users tinker with their devices so that they can have more vapor production. “Finally, this past April, they moved ahead and tabled a draft rule that will redefine e-cigarettes as "tobacco products." Once finalized and enacted—which may take another few years—e-cigarettes and other forgotten tobacco merchandise will be FDA-regulated under the Tobacco Control Act[a4] .” (Belluz) Belluz explains how the FDA wants to regulate e-cigarettes, but because of a loophole in the “Tobacco Control Act”, they cannot. “In the US, states have gone ahead with their own rules and regulations, taxing e-cigarettes and restricting sales to minors. Still, they don't have the authority of the FDA to ensure quality, safety, and consistency across the hundreds of brands on store shelves. They also can't fight illegal marketing claims.” (Belluz) [a5] [AK6] This essentially means that the FDA has no power over the quality control where electronic cigarettes, and e-juices are concerned. Without FDA regulations, the “toxic chemical traces” in e-juice are almost certain. Without FDA regulations, companies with production in other countries such as China are likely to contain many contaminants. “Companies would be required to register e-cigarettes with the FDA, submit safety data, and disclose product ingredients. FDA inspectors would monitor compliance. Companies would be able to introduce new products to the market only after FDA review and approval.” (Gostin) The FDA’s proposed regulations are designed ensure that electronic cigarette devices and e-juices are made in clean facilities, and do not contain any contaminants. If the FDA gets the approval to regulate electronic cigarettes and e-juice, they hope to lower the health risks caused by production error. “The FDA deeming proposal offers the welcome promise of a regulatory structure to ensure that e-cigarettes and other vaping products are safe and effective.” (Gostin) Traces of Toxic Substances “More powerful e-cigarettes, commonly known as tank systems, heat nicotine liquid hot enough to produce cancer-causing carcinogens, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, in their vapor.” (Gostin) There have been studies done to see how toxic electronic cigarette vapor is to humans. Gostin explains that when the e-juice is heated to a hot enough point it begins to break down the chemical structure and produces carcinogens. “Beyond the three main ingredients, some researchers worry about by-products from heating electronic cigarettes and the solution inside them. Various studies suggest the vapors from e-cigarettes contain several cancer-causing substances, as well as incredibly tiny particles of tin, chromium, nickel and other heavy metals, which, in large enough concentrations, can damage the lungs.” (Maron) The main concern with electronic cigarettes has always been the health issue. Many researchers focus on the vapor itself, and how the vaporized liquid affects humans. This article shows the other side of the equation that not many are aware of which is heavy metal poisoning. This is an issue for electronic cigarette manufacturers because the construction of electronic cigarettes needs to be metal. Metal conducts electricity, while being capable of withstanding temperatures of a few hundred degrees. “Gilbert Ross MD, is a medical and executive director of the American Council on Science and Health. In this special report on The American, he states “simple common sense would dictate that inhaling the fewer, less harmful ingredients of e-cigarettes as compared to inhaling the thousands of chemicals in the smoke from burnt tobacco, many of which have been shown to be carcinogenic, is highly likely to be healthier.” (Amann) While many try to tell us how horrible electronic cigarettes are, we should first look at what electronic cigarettes’ main purpose was. Electronic cigarettes were made to REPLACE smoking. Even if they have some harm in them, they are far safer than sucking on a smoldering pile of leaves. “Electronic cigarette vapor appears chemically incapable of causing cancer as cigarette smoke has done. E-cigarette vapor contains toxicants concentrations averaging less than one percent of the concentrations in tobacco cigarette smoke.” (Amann) When we are questioning the safety of electronic cigarettes, many assume that the risks involve cancer. Electronic cigarettes have been tested, and it seems as though there is practically no risk of cancer. [a7] How Electronic Cigarettes Are Used to Replace Smoking. “Lung function was not significantly decreased in 15 smokers using e-cigarettes, or in 15 never-smokers inhaling the vapor of e-cigarettes or inhaling smoke; lung function was, however, significantly decreased seven percent by active tobacco smoking.” (Amann) Cigarettes are harmful to humans. They contain hundreds of carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and tar. “The current iteration of e-cigarettes was invented and popularized by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003 and entered the U.S. market some seven years ago. (Earlier attempts at a “smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette,” patented in 1965, never caught on.)” (Maron) Electronic cigarettes were invented to replace the cigarette with a tobacco-free version of “smoking.” In the past few years, the electronic cigarette’s popularity has significantly increased. Most major cities now have at least one “vaping shop” where users can purchase e-liquid, electronic cigarettes, and other vaping needs. “We know cigarettes kill you. And we know what in cigarettes kill you. And we know that vaping does not contain the things in cigarettes that kill you.” (Popken) Electronic cigarettes are the safe way to enjoyably inhale nicotine. “Public health advocates have debated whether e-cigarettes are effective harm reduction tools or offer a pathway to smoking. By delivering nicotine and mimicking oral inhalation, e-cigarettes could reduce dependency on combustible cigarettes and prevent relapse.” (Gostin) Electronic cigarettes are a popular choice among those who are seeking an alternative to smoking. “Indeed, according to a recent study out of England, vaping is 60 percent more effective for quitting cigarettes than nicotine patches, gum, or going cold turkey. But just because e-cigarettes are tar-free doesn't mean they're risk-free.” (Popken) Electronic cigarettes (though they lack FDA approval) have shown that they are the most effective way to quit smoking. Vaping shops have been given a bad reputation for a while now because some may assume that vaping is the same as smoking. Many “vapers” are former smokers, but they seek a less harmful way to inhale nicotine, which in this case is in the form of vapor. “Most users getting away from cigarettes start off on 24 mg nicotine strength juice. Evans had worked her way down to 12mg. One day she was in Vape Ink in Rockville, Maryland, for a refill and they didn't have her favorite, a strawberry custard flavor called Unicorn Milk, available in that dosage, only 18 mg. Because of her pride in getting down to 12 mg, the store strongly advised her not to buy it, she said. "The guy looks at me, and said if you're at 12, I'm not selling you 18. That would be wrong." These days she's down to 6 mg.”(Popken) When smokers decide to quit smoking, vaping is a popular option. When one tries to quit smoking by using cigarettes they use cigarettes with less nicotine until they can finally beat his/her nicotine addiction. This has been the most common method for a long time, but since electronic cigarettes have been around, many chose to gradually decrease nicotine, but while using an electronic cigarette. When one uses an electronic cigarette instead of smoking a cigarette, there is no tar, there is no carbon monoxide, and there are many flavors to choose from. This is why vaping has become so popular with former smokers. Suspected Health Concerns “In addition, the virulence of drug-resistant bacteria can be increased by e-cigarette vapors and affect the ability of cells to destroy bacteria.” (Gostin) This can be an issue because the air we breathe is full of germs and bacteria. If our lungs do not have drug resistant bacteria then we can get infections. “Various studies suggest the vapors from e-cigarettes contain several cancer-causing substances, as well as incredibly tiny particles of tin, chromium, nickel and other heavy metals, which, in large enough concentrations, can damage the lungs. These particles likely fleck off the solder joints or metal coil in the devices when heated. Because they are so small, the tiniest bits of metal, known as nanoparticles, can travel deep into the lungs. There they could exacerbate asthma, bronchitis—an inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs—and emphysema—a disease in which the lungs' many air sacs are destroyed, leaving patients short of breath. So far there are not enough data to say with certainty whether e-cigs worsen these disorders.” (Maron) Many articles have talked about the carcinogen aspect of vaping, yet few seem to talk about bronchitis and asthma. When people argue about whether vaping is safe, we still have to remember that it is safer than smoking. Billions of people smoke in the world. Smoking causes asthma and bronchitis as well which goes to show that though there are similarities, vaping is still safer. Conclusion W[a8] hile there are still many unknowns about the safety of vaping, we do know that the positives outweigh the negative. Vaping can be a good way to kick a nicotine addiction without losing the feel of smoking. Vaping is good for indoors and outdoors because it has no overwhelming scent, and it is not burning. While we do not currently know exactly the harm electronic cigarettes can have on the human body, the FDA, as well as other organizations are all trying to study the vapor, and how it affects the human body. While vaping is seen as a bad thing at times, we have to remember all the positives that outweigh the negatives. Citations. "5 Leading Benefits Electronic Smoking Has Over Traditional Cigarettes." E-Cigarettes vs. Traditional Cigarettes: Benefits of Vapor Smoking. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. Amann, Dale. "The Ultimate List of E-Cig Studies: Are E-Cigs Actually Safe?" OnVaping. The Ultimate List of ECig Studies Are ECigs. 28 Jan. 2014. Web.20 Nov. 2014. Belluz, Jullia. "Why the US Hasn't Banned Vaping - and a Map of Countries That Have." Vox. Vox Media Inc., 11 July 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. Gostin, Lawrence. "E-Cigarettes, Vaping, and Youth." JAMA Network. Journal of the American Medical Association, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. Lee, Rhodi. "FDA Conducts $275 Million E-cigarette Research. Vapes in Boom but What Are the Risks?" Tech Times. Tech Times, 8 July 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. Maron, Dina. "Smoke Screen: Are E-Cigarettes Safe?" Scientific American Global RSS. 1 May 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. Popken, Ben. "Inside the Vaper's Den: E-Cig Salvation, and New Dangers - NBC News." NBC News. NBC News, 13 July 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. |
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Alex King
Vaping, the new Smoking?
Although Many people are lead to believe that vaping is just as, if not more dangerous than the conventional cigarette due to ignorance of the device, general safety of e-cigs, and their appeal to children, research shows that this is not the case.
E cigarettes and vape pens have been around since 2003, but they recently had an explosion in popularity as a smoking cessation device, or a recreational way of delivering nicotine and flavorings in a presumably harmless way. An E cigarette is a fairly simple device that typically uses a 3.7V battery, a small wire coil around a wick, and “e-liquid” or “e-juice” to create a nicotine and flavor containing vapor to the user just as a conventional cigarette would. E juice and E liquid are generally composed of four main ingredients, Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavorings. E-cigs, Vape pens, Hookah pens, Vapes, and Personal vaporizers are all perms used to describe this basic device. There are many different styles, nicotine concentrations, types, and colors of these devices, but all of them serve the same purpose. These devices are not yet regulated by the FDA and there has been much controversy over whether they should be regulated, and if the laws on the sale of these devices should be treated as if they are tobacco products in the US.
In a recent study conducted by scientist at Penn State University, they concluded that
“Two-thirds had previously tried to quit smoking using an FDA-approved smoking cessation medication. The majority of the sample had used e-cigs daily for at least a year. Three quarters started using e-cigs with the intention of quitting smoking and almost all felt that the e-cig had helped them to succeed in quitting smoking.” (J. Foulds 2011)
These findings conclude that E-cigarettes are a good way to cut back on smoking analog cigarettes, and in many cases quit altogether. Some statements have been studied on these e-cigarettes because there have been claims made on how even though they aren’t tobacco products, they do contain carcinogens. When the coil used to vaporize the e-liquid heats up, it can cause the e-liquid itself to break down and release some unsafe chemicals. The chemicals released were studies by using a gas chromatography test on several different e-liquids in different vaporizers, with a control group of regular cigarette smoke for comparison. Both methods of nicotine delivery had toxic chemicals in them, although the traditional cigarettes contained tens of times greater values of these toxins than the e-cigarettes did. The study done on the toxin concentration was done by the Department Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI), Braunschweig, Germany. Some of the chemicals released by the e-cigarettes are the same chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke. DMAIC concluded that the concentrations of these chemicals (μg/m³) are not nearly as harmful as cigarette smoke. One substance produced is isoprene. The average concentration in the e-cig vapor was approximately 8μg/m³, while the cigarette smoke produced 135μg/m³ of isoprene (Schripp 2012)
The chemical composition of these electronic cigarette vapors have been proven to be toxic, but they are in concentrations of up to 100 times less than cigarette smoke. With the chemical safety being a concerning factor, the overall safety of e-cigs and all of their individual components have been called into question as well. A few areas of concerns with these electronic cigarettes are mostly related to APV’s (Advanced Personal Vaporizers) the most common type of APV is called a Mod. These mods are constructed of a lithium ion battery, a metal tube casing, and a 501 threaded socket for the user to screw in their atomizer. The safety concern with these is that as vaping became more popular, there have been people who began creating these mods so that they can run a very low resistance coil in their atomizer, which when paired with a high current rated battery, can create massive plumes of vapor. If the user is not well-versed in battery safety, they can accidentally cause the battery to overheat and explode in a violent spew of fire directly in front of their face. This is a great concern because many people have died in results of these thermal runaway accidents, and is not recommended.
Another issue of safety with e-cigarettes is the fact that e-liquid is a concentrated bottle of nicotine. “There has been a particular focus on the toxicity of the liquid nicotine solution used in e-cigarettes and the potential for users to spill the liquid on their skin, or for children to accidentally swallow it and overdose” (Bell 2012). Children have become the victim of nicotine poisoning due to accidental consumption of a small bottle of potent nicotine that smells like candy. Although this is an issue that isn’t directly related to the act of vaping, there is still innocent lives taken due to ingestion of these toxic concentrations of nicotine.
Some may argue that kids and teens are drawn to vaping more than cigarettes because e-cigarettes seem like a safe alternative. “According to a 2012 CDC report that relied on the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the use of e-cigarettes among high school students more than doubled from 2011 to 2012, from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 2.8 percent in 2012.Those percentages refer to teens who tried an e-cigarette — perhaps as little as a single puff. One in five middle school students who reported trying them said they hadn’t tried traditional cigarettes.”(Brill 2014) While there has been an increase in teens using e-cigarettes, there is evidence to suggest that teens are not drawn to smoking a cigarette as much as they are drawn to vaping. Even though this is a concern to many, others can argue that it is a good thing since vaping is safer than smoking. Many concerned parents are outraged with the fact that E-liquid is available in a vast array of fruity flavors that can be appealing to children. While these may be appealing to children, adults are also drawn to fruity flavors as opposed to the dirty smoke flavor of cigarettes. This argument is just as valid as saying that teens are drawn to alcohol because it is available in many fruity flavors. The fact of the matter is that just because teens are drawn to the fruit flavors, adults should not be denied the pleasure of a fruit flavored e-liquid, or alcoholic beverage.
Although Many people are lead to believe that vaping is just as, if not more dangerous than the conventional cigarette due to ignorance of the device, general safety of e-cigs, and their appeal to children, research shows that this is not the case.
Sources:
Bell, Kirsten. "Nicotine Control: E-cigarettes, Smoking and Addiction." International Journal of
Drug Policy 23.3 (2012): 242-47. ScienceDirect. ELSEVIER. Web. 1 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395912000072>.
Brill, Alex and Satel, Sally and Viard, Alan D., Should E-Cigarettes Be Taxed? (April 14, 2014).
Tax Notes, Vol. 143, No. 2, 2014. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2515026
Foulds, J. "Electronic Cigarettes: Views of Afficionados and Clinical/public Health Perspectives."
Clinical Practice 65.10 (2011): 1037-042. Print.
Schripp, T., Markewitz, D., Uhde, E. and Salthammer, T. (2013), Does e-cigarette consumption
cause passive vaping?. Indoor Air, 23: 25–31. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2012.00792.x
Vaping, the new Smoking?
Although Many people are lead to believe that vaping is just as, if not more dangerous than the conventional cigarette due to ignorance of the device, general safety of e-cigs, and their appeal to children, research shows that this is not the case.
E cigarettes and vape pens have been around since 2003, but they recently had an explosion in popularity as a smoking cessation device, or a recreational way of delivering nicotine and flavorings in a presumably harmless way. An E cigarette is a fairly simple device that typically uses a 3.7V battery, a small wire coil around a wick, and “e-liquid” or “e-juice” to create a nicotine and flavor containing vapor to the user just as a conventional cigarette would. E juice and E liquid are generally composed of four main ingredients, Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavorings. E-cigs, Vape pens, Hookah pens, Vapes, and Personal vaporizers are all perms used to describe this basic device. There are many different styles, nicotine concentrations, types, and colors of these devices, but all of them serve the same purpose. These devices are not yet regulated by the FDA and there has been much controversy over whether they should be regulated, and if the laws on the sale of these devices should be treated as if they are tobacco products in the US.
In a recent study conducted by scientist at Penn State University, they concluded that
“Two-thirds had previously tried to quit smoking using an FDA-approved smoking cessation medication. The majority of the sample had used e-cigs daily for at least a year. Three quarters started using e-cigs with the intention of quitting smoking and almost all felt that the e-cig had helped them to succeed in quitting smoking.” (J. Foulds 2011)
These findings conclude that E-cigarettes are a good way to cut back on smoking analog cigarettes, and in many cases quit altogether. Some statements have been studied on these e-cigarettes because there have been claims made on how even though they aren’t tobacco products, they do contain carcinogens. When the coil used to vaporize the e-liquid heats up, it can cause the e-liquid itself to break down and release some unsafe chemicals. The chemicals released were studies by using a gas chromatography test on several different e-liquids in different vaporizers, with a control group of regular cigarette smoke for comparison. Both methods of nicotine delivery had toxic chemicals in them, although the traditional cigarettes contained tens of times greater values of these toxins than the e-cigarettes did. The study done on the toxin concentration was done by the Department Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI), Braunschweig, Germany. Some of the chemicals released by the e-cigarettes are the same chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke. DMAIC concluded that the concentrations of these chemicals (μg/m³) are not nearly as harmful as cigarette smoke. One substance produced is isoprene. The average concentration in the e-cig vapor was approximately 8μg/m³, while the cigarette smoke produced 135μg/m³ of isoprene (Schripp 2012)
The chemical composition of these electronic cigarette vapors have been proven to be toxic, but they are in concentrations of up to 100 times less than cigarette smoke. With the chemical safety being a concerning factor, the overall safety of e-cigs and all of their individual components have been called into question as well. A few areas of concerns with these electronic cigarettes are mostly related to APV’s (Advanced Personal Vaporizers) the most common type of APV is called a Mod. These mods are constructed of a lithium ion battery, a metal tube casing, and a 501 threaded socket for the user to screw in their atomizer. The safety concern with these is that as vaping became more popular, there have been people who began creating these mods so that they can run a very low resistance coil in their atomizer, which when paired with a high current rated battery, can create massive plumes of vapor. If the user is not well-versed in battery safety, they can accidentally cause the battery to overheat and explode in a violent spew of fire directly in front of their face. This is a great concern because many people have died in results of these thermal runaway accidents, and is not recommended.
Another issue of safety with e-cigarettes is the fact that e-liquid is a concentrated bottle of nicotine. “There has been a particular focus on the toxicity of the liquid nicotine solution used in e-cigarettes and the potential for users to spill the liquid on their skin, or for children to accidentally swallow it and overdose” (Bell 2012). Children have become the victim of nicotine poisoning due to accidental consumption of a small bottle of potent nicotine that smells like candy. Although this is an issue that isn’t directly related to the act of vaping, there is still innocent lives taken due to ingestion of these toxic concentrations of nicotine.
Some may argue that kids and teens are drawn to vaping more than cigarettes because e-cigarettes seem like a safe alternative. “According to a 2012 CDC report that relied on the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the use of e-cigarettes among high school students more than doubled from 2011 to 2012, from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 2.8 percent in 2012.Those percentages refer to teens who tried an e-cigarette — perhaps as little as a single puff. One in five middle school students who reported trying them said they hadn’t tried traditional cigarettes.”(Brill 2014) While there has been an increase in teens using e-cigarettes, there is evidence to suggest that teens are not drawn to smoking a cigarette as much as they are drawn to vaping. Even though this is a concern to many, others can argue that it is a good thing since vaping is safer than smoking. Many concerned parents are outraged with the fact that E-liquid is available in a vast array of fruity flavors that can be appealing to children. While these may be appealing to children, adults are also drawn to fruity flavors as opposed to the dirty smoke flavor of cigarettes. This argument is just as valid as saying that teens are drawn to alcohol because it is available in many fruity flavors. The fact of the matter is that just because teens are drawn to the fruit flavors, adults should not be denied the pleasure of a fruit flavored e-liquid, or alcoholic beverage.
Although Many people are lead to believe that vaping is just as, if not more dangerous than the conventional cigarette due to ignorance of the device, general safety of e-cigs, and their appeal to children, research shows that this is not the case.
Sources:
Bell, Kirsten. "Nicotine Control: E-cigarettes, Smoking and Addiction." International Journal of
Drug Policy 23.3 (2012): 242-47. ScienceDirect. ELSEVIER. Web. 1 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395912000072>.
Brill, Alex and Satel, Sally and Viard, Alan D., Should E-Cigarettes Be Taxed? (April 14, 2014).
Tax Notes, Vol. 143, No. 2, 2014. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2515026
Foulds, J. "Electronic Cigarettes: Views of Afficionados and Clinical/public Health Perspectives."
Clinical Practice 65.10 (2011): 1037-042. Print.
Schripp, T., Markewitz, D., Uhde, E. and Salthammer, T. (2013), Does e-cigarette consumption
cause passive vaping?. Indoor Air, 23: 25–31. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2012.00792.x
Annotated Bibliography
"5 Leading Benefits Electronic Smoking Has Over Traditional Cigarettes." E-Cigarettes vs. Traditional
Cigarettes: Benefits of Vapor Smoking. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
This article thoroughly explains how cigarettes and vaping differ. It goes to explain simple things such as the stench of cigarettes, and social aspects of it. The technical side talks about how it’s safe because there is no combustion, just steam/vapor, nicotine, and flavorings. This source does not make claims that e-cigs are safe, but they do state that if you look at the extensive health issues that are involved with smoking, than vaping is a better alternative.
Amann, Dale. "The Ultimate List of E-Cig Studies: Are E-Cigs Actually Safe?" OnVaping.
The Ultimate List of ECig Studies Are ECigs. 28 Jan. 2014. Web.20 Nov. 2014.
This source is a list compiled of many other sources that show how vaping is safe. Basically, it’s an annotated bibliography of these sources, but also acts as a glossary. This is helpful because it provides many links that can help someone become informed, or so one can research for a paper. This source has many sections of research such as links for info about secondhand vaping, its usefulness as a smoking cessation device, and whether or not it’s generally safe to vape.
Belluz, Jullia. "Why the US Hasn't Banned Vaping - and a Map of Countries That Have." Vox.
Vox Media Inc., 11 July 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
In this article Belluz explains how the FDA is unable to regulate e-cigarettes and the e-juice that is used in them. She later talks about the other countries that have banned e-cigs and how some American organizations have been requesting that the same would occur here in the US. She then goes on to explains what the FDA’s proposed regulations would be, if the bill ever passes, and how the e-cig companies are allowed to make claims about how it’s a better alternative to smoking. This article does well with explaining key issues and concerns with vaping, as well as shows some information about how the rest of the world is tackling the vaping explosion in the past recent years.
Burstyn, Igor PhD. “Peering through the mist: What does the chemistry of contaminants in electronic
cigarettes tell us about the health risks?” July-August 2013. Technical Report. Drexel University, Philadelphia.
In this document, Burstyn provides all the information on his studies on vaping and how it is not harmful. This lab report goes in depth with research on the chemicals present in the vapor, and how they can affect human, but it also has multiple types of devices tested. He tests different flavorings, devices, and nicotine levels so he can determine which variable causes the issues. This lab report is extremely helpful because it disproves all the allegations of how vaping is harmful, and provides detailed analysis’ of all the chemical makeups of the vapor, and how It interacts with the human body.
Gostin, Lawrence. "E-Cigarettes, Vaping, and Youth." JAMA Network. Journal of the American Medical
Association, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
In this scientific article, Gostin thoroughly explains all aspects of the FDA regulation push on electronic cigarettes. He explains the timeline of when the FDA has started trying to gain the power to regulate these devices, and all components involved with vaping. He also goes on to explain what the FDA is specifically concerned about with these devices such as toxic chemical traces, specific advertising, and the issue with sale to minors. This article is helpful because it can provide a more specific insight on the concerns about e-cigs, and what we may see in the next few years regarding regulations. This also raises a few good points about their dangers, and how that problem may be solves in the future, if there are any dangers at all.
Lee, Rhodi. "FDA Conducts $275 Million E-cigarette Research. Vapes in Boom but What Are the Risks?"
Tech Times. Tech Times, 8 July 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2014.
In this article Lee makes note of the $275 million that the FDA is putting into research on e-cigs and vaping devices. The article breaks down into a few main topics about how this will affect marketing the devices if the bill passes. It also goes on to explain what the FDA is mainly looking for in these studies, hoping to find what disorders/diseases long term vaping may cause, and short term health issues as well. This article provides good information on what disorders/diseases to research for other authors looking to write about the health concerns.
Maron, Dina. "Smoke Screen: Are E-Cigarettes Safe?" Scientific American Global RSS. 1 May 2014. Web.
20 Nov. 2014.
In this article Maron first goes through the advertising history about cigarettes, and now today’s advertising on e-cigs. She then goes on to talk about a specific concern the FDA has, which is whether it is safe or not to inhale Propylene Glycol (PG). She explains how PG is a safe food, drug, and cosmetic additive, yet there are few studies on it being inhaled. This article also says how a few CEO’s of e-cig companies are trying to get clinical trials to show that it is safe, yet it has not been 100% proven yet. She also goes on to show data about the usage of cigarettes vs vaping in the past few years. This article will help with providing information about some health concerns that may or may not even be harmful since PG is safe in other applications. It will also help to give data on the increase in vaping, and the decline in smoking.