The Future History Of Electronic Cigarettes - Increasing Use Or Attempts to Kill The Competition?

March 22nd, 2010 · No Comments

by Mary Kay Rivers

The e-cigarette initially launched in 2003 was developed by the SBT Co. Ltd. based in Beijing, China. Ruyan stepped in following the product’s launch to provide additional development of the technology and proceed to introduce electronic cigarettes to the European market in 2006. Promotions in Europe called e-cigarettes “Electro fags”. It was clear the public was ready for e-cigarettes.

A replacement for tobacco was not the vision of those who developed e-cigarettes. They were offering a nicotine delivery system that smokers could use to soothe their need for a “fix” when cigarette smoking was not an option available to them. Aggressive marketers soon began advertising e-cigs as a method to quit smoking. Manufacturers did not approve the advertising and the World Health Organization condemned the ads with a statement that there was a yet no proof of the benefits of smoking electronic cigarettes.

Some smokers consider e-cigarettes to be a hobby but not a habit. Gathering online in forums, electronic smokers who refer to themselves as “vapers” argue the merits of one e-liquid over another, offer advice on the best electronic cigarettes and discuss vapor volume endlessly.

Initially, almost all electronic cigarettes resembled the tobacco cigarette closely although the realism left a lot to be desired. In time, e-cigarettes came into their own and now you can find the products in many colors or printed with logos of lacy gold metallics. The stylish designs often no longer try to look like tobacco cigarettes but are designed to provide variety to the consumer.

A trade association was recently formed by electronic cigarette suppliers to promote the e-cig as a safer nicotine delivery system than tobacco. Popularity of the electronic products continues to grow rapidly. The association has a mission to spread accurate information about the products to the public.

The powerful lobbies have pressured the FDA to ban electronic cigarettes or to strictly regulate their use. Although the FDA seems to have buckled under the pressure a recent court decision may prohibit this government agency from acting in a way that promotes the interests of big tobacco and big pharma.

Tobacco companies and pharmaceuticals have been quick to spread misinformation about the effects of e-smoking. Amazingly, companies that sell the most dangerous consumer product available to the public are expressing concern about the safety of electronic cigarettes and the effect e-cigs might have on public health.

Perhaps the most innovative new design in the e-cigarette market is the disposable cartridge model. A small mouthpiece that can be unscrewed, discarded and replaced with a new cartridge pre-loaded with flavor and nicotine makes smoking electronically as easy as opening a pack of cigarettes. One replaceable cartridge is equal to about 400 puffs which is one pack of standard cigarettes. No e-liquid is required and no cleaning is not needed.

Electronic cigarettes may have a short history but there is a huge potential market for these products. Demand continues to increase as more information about the safety and improved quality of the best electronic cigarettes becomes available to the smoking public.

About the Author:

Mary Kay Rivers has become an expert in the field of e-cigarettes. Her articles about the FDA’s stance on e-cigarettes and about the best e-cig have become well-known.

Tags: Health Products