The Newest Unscrupulous E-cigarette Claim to Watch Out For

May 14th, 2012

We’ve talked here before about some of the scams you might run into when looking to purchase electronic cigarettes, and one of the biggest is false claims. Some manufacturers sink to exaggerations and outright lies in order to promote their products.

The true and proven benefits of e-cigs speak for themselves – they don’t have that unpleasant odor, they don’t stain your teeth and fingers, and they may be welcome in more locations than traditional cigarettes.

They are not, however, approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation aid, and they are not intended for anyone who does not already use nicotine. Companies that make claims to the contrary aren’t just engaging in slimy sales tactics; they are giving e-cigs and vapers a bad name, and endangering public opinion, which could cause even more headaches.

That’s why when we discovered the latest scam tactic some e-cig manufacturers are using, we became very concerned. It seems some vendors are starting to promote electronic cigarettes as a weight loss tool.

False claims like this do nothing to help the vaping world. There are already opponents out there suggesting that e-cigs are marketed to nonsmokers, and even the underage, simply because vapor comes in different flavors.

Now, some companies are using the flavors in this new marketing approach, suggesting that vaping can fulfill the desire for a sugary treat.

Neither weight loss scams nor e-cigarettes scams are new, but this is the first time we’ve seen both of those scams rolled into one.

Just like with any other product, be suspicious of claims that seem too good to be true. This definitely falls into that category. At the very least, these claims are unfounded, and not backed up by any research that we could find. At worst, these companies could end up promoting e-cigarettes to minors, since young people are notoriously image-conscious.

If you see a company claiming their electronic cigarettes can help you lose weight, be wary of trusting anything else they say. Anyone who would make exaggerated claims like this is likely also exaggerating about other things – like the quality of their products and customer service.

There is emerging research about the benefits of e-cigs coming out more and more often these days, and we monitor that research closely. None of it, though, has related to weight loss. If that research ever does take place, rest assured we’ll let you know here on our blog and in the knowledge center.

Share|

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in New Things Going On, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

E-Cigs Still Welcome in Birmingham

May 7th, 2012

In the midst of reported bans on e-cigs, which are still being treated like traditional cigarettes by the uninitiated (in other words, nonsmokers who mainly don’t understand the differences between electronic cigarettes and analogs) it’s nice to run across a story where someone spoke up, the city council listened, and e-cigarettes dodged the ban.

Now vapers everywhere are saying, “Thank you, Birmingham!”

To be specific, Birmingham, Alabama, where a city ordinance has just been passed to prohibit smoking in establishments like bars and restaurants. Cigar bars and other businesses that derive a percentage of their profits from tobacco escaped the ban, but for the majority, just as has happened in other places around the country, cigarettes are out. At least, analog cigarettes are.

Cigarette opponents that spoke in the meeting – which ended up exceeding two hours – included doctors and even the Alabama Secretary of State, all supporting the ordinance in its original form, which included not only traditional tobacco cigarettes, but e-cigs as well.

This could have been just another smoking ban story, but there was a researcher from the University of Alabama at Birmingham among the meeting’s many speakers, and this researcher had quite a bit to say, including one particularly interesting tidbit,

“The vapor from electronic cigarettes is no more dangerous than the vapor from a cup of coffee. It’s much less noxious than too much perfume in an enclosed area.”

A council member backed up this argument, noting that the FDA has found no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes are harmful, and in the absence of such evidence, a ban really could not be justified.

In the end, it was decided that Birmingham’s residents and visitors can keep on vaping in public places, but analog cigarettes – along with their noxious smoke – are no longer welcome.

Do you live in Birmingham, or are you planning a visit there? Be sure to stock up on e-liquid or pre-filled cartridges. You’ll want to be prepared when you hit the clubs!

Share|

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in New Things Going On, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

Research Suggests Switching to E-Cigarettes May Help Boost Memory

April 27th, 2012

A recent study of 85 regular smokers (…both female and male) at the University of East London sought to determine the effects e-cigarettes have on memory and cravings.

Dr. Lynne Dawkins, head researcher in the study, recently presented her findings at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society.

Participants in the study were given, at random, an e-cigarette that contained either nicotine or a placebo. Some were told to just hold the e-cigarette while others were instructed to use the device as if it was a regular cigarette. After using the device for about 5 minutes, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on their mood and cravings.

The questionnaire was administered again after another 20 minutes. Roughly ¾ of the participants were also asked to complete a “…working memory task” about 10-15 minutes after using the e-cigarette.

Results from the study showed that the nicotine helped men more so than women in reducing cravings and improving their mood. For women, the placebo e-cigarette was just as effective as the nicotine. Results from those tested for memory showed that the e-cigarettes containing nicotine helped boost memory in both men and women.

“We were interested in exploring the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as relatively little research has been done. In terms of reducing cravings it is interesting to note the difference in effectiveness for men and women,” comments Dr. Dawkins.

Dr. Dawkins went on to explain that people who choose to stop smoking without some sort of nicotine substitute may experience a dip in their working memory as their body adjusts to no nicotine. E-cigarettes “…seem to be effective at reducing this problem for men and women.”

While the study didn’t examine self-consciousness of using an e-cigarette in public, it did provide some interesting insight into some of the benefits e-cigarettes can provide for those smokers looking to give up their old habits.

E-cigarettes used in the study were provided by the Electronic Cigarette Company. No other financial assistance was provided outside of a small grant for the researchers to travel to the recent conference to present their findings.

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

12 Common Symptoms of Tobacco Withdrawal

Propylene Glycol – Is it Safe?

Research Evaluates Acute Effects of Electronic Cigarettes

Prominent Doctor Criticizes FDA Position on Electronic Cigarettes

Share|

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Alternative Smoking Reviews and Ramblings, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

12 Common Symptoms of Tobacco Withdrawal

April 18th, 2012

Quitting tobacco constitutes a major change for anyone whether they smoked for only 5 years or 50.

While many turn to e-cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes, there are symptoms besides those associated with nicotine withdrawals that can appear for a period of time. Even though thousands if not millions have successfully made the switch, the possibility of withdrawal symptoms from tobacco cigarettes is still very real.

Many of these symptoms listed below in fact may not occur for a month or more after quitting tobacco cigarettes. These symptoms, provided by ‘bghouse’ on the ECF forum, do not bear any relation to whether a user simply switched from tobacco to e-cigarettes or if they quit smoking altogether.

Continue reading for a list and quick description of these 12 symptoms ex-smokers may encounter.

Courtesy of zole4

1. Mouth Ulcers

Affecting many quitters, ulcers in the mouth are a common symptom of tobacco withdrawal that can be very painful. Starting a week or more after quitting, the ulcers or gum inflammation generally clear up after a few days or a week. Topical treatment gels and certain vitamins in high-doses are shown to effectively treat them.

It is possible that nicotine absorbed through the mouth by using an e-cigarette can exacerbate the problem but that’s unclear. To be safe, rinse your mouth out with water after using your e-cigarette. This will get the nicotine out of your mouth and not give it a chance to sit there and irritate your mouth tissues.

2. Quit Zits

Just when you thought zits were in the past along with your teen years, quitting tobacco can cause skin eruptions that form spots and severe acne. These occur even if you didn’t experience breakouts when you were younger. Sadly, these zits can last for months.

Although empirical evidence is limited, there appears to be no link between quit zits and e-cigarette usage. Experiments are currently underway to see if any particular flavors help alleviate or exacerbate quit zits.

3. Headaches, Nausea, Shakiness

These symptoms, along with irritability, inability to concentrate, poor sleep, depression, etc. are common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. You can even experience these symptoms if you’re using a low strength nicotine e-liquid and are not absorbing as much nicotine as when you smoked. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a week.

If you’ve switched to e-cigarettes, consider higher strength nicotine e-liquid for a period of time, and then reduce strength as needed.

4. Coughing

Considered to most common symptom of quitting tobacco, coughing symptoms are especially prevalent in the first few days. Severity and duration depends on how heavy a smoker you were and how many tobacco cigarettes you still have while vaping with an e-cigarette.

5. Sputum and Phlegm production

Regardless of whether you switch to an e-cigarette or not, most ex-smokers find that their bodies begin trying to get rid of all of the nasty substances like tar and other materials coating the lungs. These materials are coughed up in the form of sputum and phlegm. How long this ‘cleansing’ process lasts varies but most claim coughing went away in about a week with the rest of the junk coming up within a month.

6. Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Some former smokers have claimed they’ve experienced heartburn and acid reflux after quitting (…this is mainly reported by those who simply quit and don’t switch to an e-cigarette).

This symptom eventually goes away if you experience it but using Gaviscon liquid, an over-the-counter med, helps alleviate these symptoms by coating the gullet, which stops the acid burning.

7. Muscle Cramps and Aches

Some ex-smokers have reported muscle cramps and aches after quitting. One explanation is that propylene glycol found in e-cigarettes promotes the production of lactic acid, which has to be eliminated from the body. Drinking more water helps alleviate cramps and aches. However, claims that PG exacerbates these symptoms haven’t been proven.

8. Night Sweats

Other ex-smokers have reported having night sweats but it’s unclear on if this symptom is related to tobacco withdrawal or not.

9. Diarrhea

Others have reported diarrhea but like night sweats, it’s unclear on whether this can be considered a symptom of tobacco withdrawal. Intolerance to propylene glycol has been blamed by some as the cause of diarrhea but it isn’t proven since switching to vegetable glycerin (…another base of e-cig liquid) doesn’t get rid of the diarrhea.

10. Hiccups

It’s said that one of the causes of this pesky symptom is nicotine overdose. It generally only affects those who ingest nicotine orally (i.e. chewing tobacco, snuff, SNUS) and swallow the juice, which causes hiccups.

11. Bleeding gums

Another withdrawal symptom of tobacco cigarettes that’s occasionally been reported is bleeding gums, which is also a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. Therefore, it may be wise to take a vitamin C supplement for a period of time after you quit.

12. Thyroid issues

The medical community is currently discussing whether issues in the thyroid can occur after a smoker quits. Statistically, the rate of thyroid problems after quitting tobacco is statistically higher than those who have never smoked, which suggests cigarette usage suppresses any symptoms with the thyroid.

Not much research has been done on this symptom so it’s vitally important you discuss your individual situation with your doctor.

As you can see, there are several symptoms that can crop up after quitting tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes by and large haven’t shown to either exacerbate or inhibit these symptoms. However, research is pretty scarce so those assertions can certainly change.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any new research and developments.

In the meantime, adopting e-cigarettes into your routine can certainly help deal with any nicotine withdrawal symptoms. That can be very helpful in light of other potential symptoms of breaking away from tobacco cigarettes.

Share|

Posted in Alternative Smoking Reviews and Ramblings, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

What Age Groups Use Electronic Cigarettes?

April 5th, 2012

Over the course of a few years, e-cigarettes have grown tremendously in popularity. While they’re still relatively new, enough have purchased the devices for us to get some insight into the question put forth above.

Also, as you begin using a new invention like the electronic cigarette, you’re naturally interested in who else uses them?

Are they reserved strictly for 20 somethings?

Or do older, more established adults use e-cigarettes?

While it’s difficult to give precise answers, a recent survey conducted by GuideToVaping sheds some light on the matter.

Within a 65-day time period, the forum site asked the simple question of age and if they used an electronic cigarette. A total of 562 individuals casted votes in the survey.

As you can see from the chart, those in their 30s and 40s constitute by far the majority of e-cigarette users – not too far behind falls those in their 20s.

Rounding out the results are users in their 50s, 60s, 80s and 70s respectively. Vapers in their 50s in fact are almost as numerous as those in their 20s.

One interesting point revealed by this poll – adoption of electronic cigarettes isn’t limited to one age group.

Many products and services out there only apply, or appeal, to certain age groups.

E-cigarettes though are different and attract a broad range of age groups. While we don’t have data readily available, we can also assume that other demographic indicators are just as diverse when it comes to e-cigarettes.

This poll was completely un-scientific.

And while we’re sure there are vapers in their teenage years, we do not market or sell Modern Vapor e-cigarettes to anyone under 18 years of age.

Seeing the diversity of age ranges is certainly inspiring though. We thank GuideToVaping for conducting this survey.

Share|

Tags: , ,
Posted in New Things Going On, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

Health Official in Utah Claims Traditional Cigarettes Safer than E-Cigs

March 23rd, 2012

Just when you thought the craze against e-cigarettes couldn’t get any more bizarre or ridiculous, a spokesman for the Utah Department of Health has put forth perhaps the most peculiar case against e-cigarettes.

“There is no safe level of tobacco smoke,” comments David Neville, spokesman for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at the Utah Department of Health.

According to Neville, at least users know how much nicotine they’re ingesting when smoking a traditional cigarette. The official contends that users of e-cigarettes do not know how much nicotine they’re ingesting so they just puff away. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration claims e-cigarettes contain harmful levels of nicotine, a substance the agency classifies as a stimulant.

“With tobacco cigarettes, a user generally knows how much nicotine is being consumed. They know if they are a half-a-pack-a-day smoker. When it comes to an electronic cigarette, you just don’t know. You just keep on smoking,” the official explains.

Neville’s comments were made as part of discussions surrounding a proposal to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public in Utah. While the Utah Department of Health developed regulations banning the use of e-cigs and hookahs in public, they’re awaiting legislative approval before enforcing any rules.

A commentary on Neville’s comments explains how the discourse regarding smoking and e-cigarettes has reached a new level. Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor at Boston University, opines that outlandish claims such as those by Neville are driven by ideology rather than scientific facts.

It’s a bit ironic that officials like Neville are defending traditional cigarettes in their campaign(s) against e-cigarettes, which by every objective measure, are much safer than their ‘smoky’ predecessors.

Dr. Siegel goes on to explain that many anti-smoking advocates are missing the bigger picture by not understanding the e-cigarette use dramatically reduces or eliminates the amount of regular cigarettes people smoke.

Instead, these anti-smoking crusaders are “…getting stuck up on the concern that we can’t translate electronic cigarette use into cigarette pack equivalents.”

Additionally, Dr. Siegel says Neville’s comments don’t make any sense anyway since e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, they produce vapor. If the argument is that there’s no safe level of tobacco smoke, then anti-smoking crusaders should be in full support of e-cigarettes.

We find it unfortunate that anti-smoking/e-cigarette officials make comments like this. Having ideology rather than scientific evidence as the driving force clouds the argument.

Rather than developing policies that protect and enhance public health, just the opposite may be occurring.

Share|

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

Explosion Incident Leads to Questions on E-Cigarette Safety

March 16th, 2012

Recently, an e-cigarette exploded in a user’s face, causing some burns and pain. These injuries required the e-cig user from the Florida Panhandle to spend a few days in the hospital.

As best we can tell, the vaper was using his device at his home-office when the e-cig device exploded. According the fire officials, the battery ejected from the unit and set a closet on fire in addition to the serious injuries it caused to the user.

In light of this incident, some media outlets and others have raised serious doubts about e-cigarettes being a safer alternative than traditional smoking.

E-cigarette batteries available through Modern Vapor though come with testing and certifications for safety

From a regulatory perspective, these tests are done to ensure lithium batteries used in e-cigarettes are safe for travel via air. Regulations are set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and dictate a rigorous UN38.3 safety inspection and certification.

These tests evaluate such safety factors as:

  • Altitude simulation
  • Thermal test
  • Vibration
  • Shock
  • External Short Circuit
  • Impact
  • Overcharge
  • Forced discharge

As you can see, many of these apply to general, everyday use.

It’s our opinion that the e-cig battery the gentleman was using had not undergone these safety inspections. Furthermore, the device he was using was actually a ‘mod’ – a type of e-cigarette device that uses a loose lithium-ion battery rather than a sealed one.

See this report from CASAA and forum discussion for more.

All e-cigarette batteries and devices from Modern Vapor use sealed lithium-ion batteries.

Share|

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in E-Cig Technology, New Things Going On, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

First Ever World Vaping Day Coming Soon

March 7th, 2012

Over the last few years, electric cigarettes have gained tremendously in popularity.

To stop for a moment and recognize this growing popularity of alternative smoking devices, a coalition of vendors, users and interest groups have marked March 22nd as the first ever World Vaping Day. While it’s a loosely affiliated day of observance, it’s also an opportunity to educate others about electric cigarettes.

Vaping Day is being observed in many countries around the world, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the United States and several others.

You can check the World Vaping Day page online for more information on events in your area.

But rather than waiting to see if an event will occur in your area, take it upon yourself to discuss electric cigarettes with family, friends and co-workers. Organize a vape party at your house or at a local establishment.

Other things you can do include:

  • Contact local radio, TV and newspapers and let them know about World Vaping Day
  • Print this handy health flyer or these drop cards from the World Vaping Day site and give them out
  • If you organize a ‘vapemeet,’ be sure you put it on Google Maps and spread it around through online social networks, e-cigarette forums and so forth

Most of all, have fun with it.

This is the first day in history dedicated to electric cigarettes. Take some flyers down to your favorite place in the park, use your e-cigarette some and pass out some flyers. It should be a pretty nice day in most places across the U.S.

And if you’re looking for a better vaping experience or know someone looking for a durable, yet usable e-cigarette, check out our main site for a selection of electric cigarette starter kits and accessories.

Share|

Tags: , ,
Posted in New Things Going On, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

Does Vapor from E-Cigarettes Set Off Smoke Detectors?

February 28th, 2012

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are commonplace in homes and businesses these days.

These devices emit a loud beep that can easily wake even heaviest of sleepers out of their slumber. They act as a warning system in the event of a fire or gas leak inside your home.

Smoke alarms though do sometimes ‘trip’ without a fire – burnt toast or even a burning cigarette can set one off if you’re close enough to it.

Some have wondered though about vapor from an e-cigarette. Does it set off smoke alarms if you’re within a certain range?

This question is especially important for those who use their devices in public buildings like a restaurant or office. You wouldn’t want to vape at your desk and set off the alarm system in your building.

Thankfully though, it seems from the video below from Smoke2Vape that it doesn’t. In the video, vapor is blown directly onto a working smoke detector and it doesn’t go off.

However, it may depend on the type of smoke detector too.

According to a forum discussion on the matter, one participant says that a block in the device’s optical system is what sets a smoke alarm off. Cigarette smoke can do this as can e-cig vapors, at least theoretically. However, he says it’s less likely vapor will trip the alarm since it dissipates much faster than smoke.

If you’re using your e-cigarette in a public building, check with the manager or your employer before using your device just to be safe. However, you should be able to use your device in your home and not set off your smoke detector.

Share|

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Alternative Smoking Reviews and Ramblings, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

What is Nicotine and is it Harmful?

February 20th, 2012

Nicotine itself is the substance smokers and vapers (e-cigarette users) crave…puffing on an analog or electronic cigarette is simply the delivery method for this nicotine.

Thousands of deaths each year are attributed to smoking traditional cigarettes, which is why there is some ambiguity on whether the nicotine itself is harmful. Numerous studies have shown that other substances in the cigarette smoke like tar and carcinogens amplify these risks, not the nicotine itself.

The substance nicotine is in fact naturally occurring and is derived from the tobacco plant Nicotiana tabacum and is considered an alkaloid, which is basically a naturally occurring compound comprised mostly of nitrogen. Its chemical formula is C10H14N2.

Nicotine certainly has physical impacts but whether it’s harmful or not is up for debate. Some have claimed that it causes cancer but it is not proven.

What nicotine does do is stimulate the production of dopamine within seconds of being inhaled. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions and feelings of pleasure. Nicotine’s effects on the brain are similar, albeit to much lesser degree, than cocaine or amphetamines. This fact is why many make the claim that nicotine is as addictive as cocaine and heroin.

Besides these psychological effects, ingesting nicotine also causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and restricts blood flow to the heart. Interestingly, nicotine can act as either a stimulant or a depressant. Nicotine also has the effect of increasing alertness and enhancing mental performance.

While these effects are relatively minor, NICOTINE IS VERY ADDICTIVE

People who are addicted to nicotine do experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking or otherwise ingesting nicotine. Anger, anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite and cravings for nicotine are very real.

These effects though subside within 3-4 weeks in most people…cravings and hunger though may go on for months.

Nicotine’s addictive nature is largely due to the dose and rapid delivery to the brain when vaping or smoking cigarettes.

So in the end, nicotine is very addictive but it isn’t necessarily too harmful. Other substances in cigarette smoke like tar and carcinogens are largely responsible for health effects connected with smoking. Simply ingesting nicotine, while it has its effects, is relatively harmless.

Share|

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Alternative Smoking Reviews and Ramblings, Vaping News and Insights | No Comments »

« Older Entries