Archive for the ‘New Things Going On’ Category

Cruise Lines Tightening Rules on Smoking

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

One of the reasons many are choosing e-cigarettes over traditional ‘analog’ cigarettes is the increasing restrictions on smoking in public. Restaurants, airplanes, stadiums and many other public venues with large crowds generally have restrictions on where you can light up.

Cruise lines like “Princess’ Cruises” are tightening the screws on smokers as well. Going forward, guest of the cruise line will not be able to smoke in their staterooms or on balconies. Three other cruise lines (Carnival, Holland America and Norwegian) are joining Princess in cracking down on where travelers can light up.

“Our consumer studies show that smokers are a small minority of our passengers, and that the large majority of passengers value having their primary living space on-board smoke-free,” comments Jan Swartz, Executive Vice President of Princess Cruise Lines.

In fact, the numbers of smokers has been on a steady decline for years. Only 19.3% of adults, or 45 million Americans, smoked cigarettes in 2010 according to federal health regulators…in 2005, 20.9% of adults were smokers.

At iCruise.com, a Florida based cruise agency, complaints about smoky cabins and balconies have dropped sharply. Don Walker, co-president of iCruise, says the drop can be attributed to tighter rules on smoking onboard cruise ships. Walker says smokers seem accepting of these restrictions.

How are these policies affecting e-cigarette users?

Depends on the cruise line.

Some are lumping e-cigarette users in with regular smokers and asking them to only use their devices in designated areas while others clearly distinguish between the two and allow e-cigarettes in staterooms and around the ship.

On Princess, guests are allowed to use their e-cigarette in their staterooms since they leave no odor and have no known second-hand effects. However, their use is restricted in dining halls and theaters.  Carnival on the other hand is restricting e-cigarettes to designated smoking areas since they’re relatively new and not much is ‘officially’ known about them.

Tightening restrictions on smoking in public areas is serving as an impetus for smokers to either quit or seek alternatives like e-cigarettes.

While there are still many misconceptions out there, it’s not fair for digital e-cigarettes to be lumped in with traditional ‘analog’ smokers. Next time you’re taking a cruise or traveling, be aware of any of these restrictions and mindful of others around you.

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Federal Regulations Banning E-Cigarettes on Airplanes Moving Forward

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Electronic cigarettes – or rather their use – may soon be formally banned on all passenger aircraft in the United States.  As you probably know, smoking a cigarette on your flight has been illegal for quite some time…since 1987 in fact.

The original law passed by Congress states (…in 49 USC Section 41706) “An individual may not ‘smoke’ in an aircraft.” After the law was passed, the U.S. Department of Transportation wrote regulations to enforce this new law.

However, using an e-cigarette is not smoking as defined by DOT regulations. Combustion does not occur and the device doesn’t emit smoke, it emits (…and you exhale) water vapor.  Therefore, it cannot be legally regulated under current law. What would need to occur is for Congress to amend the 1987 law to include electronic cigarette devices.

Today though, it appears the DOT is essentially writing its own laws to re-define what smoking is. Their proposal would slap a maximum fine of $3300 on anyone caught using an e-cigarette on an airplane.

This is equal to the fine imposed for smoking a regular cigarette, which we and the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association (CASAA) find to be quite extreme and in violation of the 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

CASAA’s advisory also says the DOT hasn’t produced any evidence to suggest that water vapor coming off an e-cigarette is harmful to bystanders…we certainly haven’t seen any evidence of this sort.

CASAA has a great advisory on the proposed regulations along with contact information for the agency. They’re accepting comments through Nov. 14th so we implore you to take a few moments and send a polite, yet firm comment to the DOT asking them to withdraw their proposal.

The advisory also includes links to several studies showing e-cigarettes to be on par with nicotine replacement therapies (gums, patches) in terms of toxicity.

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Electronic Billboard Promoting E-Cigarettes Lights up Times Square

Friday, August 19th, 2011

In another sign of the gaining prominence of electronic cigarettes, the vaping devices recently lit up the nighttime with a paid promotion on CBS’ SuperScreen in New York’s Times Square.

The short ad seen in the video below was paid for by the National Vapers Club, a voluntary education organization consisting largely of vapers…the short ad was sponsored to help educate the public on the availability and benefits of e-cigarettes.

NVC’s message intention was to convey to smokers that alternatives are available.

“Our message is simple: Now smokers have a choice,” says NVC member Nathan Dunn.

“Without access to e-cigarettes, many of our members may return to smoking tobacco cigarettes. Some surveys show that over 80% of e-cigarette users felt that if the product was unavailable they might go back to smoking tobacco,” says Spike Babaian, president of the National Vapers Club.

“Many of our members quit smoking tobacco because their doctors told them their health depended on it,” says Spike.

Many of NVC’s members are former smokers.

While much back and forth has gone on over regulation of these devices, the FDA recently decided it would not appeal a federal court ruling ordering the agency to classify the devices as tobacco products rather than ‘drug delivery devices’….regulating e-cigs like this would have severely curtailed their availability.

In the original ruling, Judge Leon opines “… FDA cites no evidence that those electronic cigarettes have endangered anyone. Nor has FDA cited any evidence that electronic cigarettes are any more an immediate threat to public health and safety than traditional cigarettes, which are readily available to the public.”

But some states and localities have placed rather draconian restrictions on the use of these devices that emit vapor similar in composition to a fog machine.

Many of our customers are smokers looking for an alternative. While quitting is the best option for your health, e-cigarettes may present a good alternative that’s not so damaging.

Related Posts

FDA Decides Not to Appeal January Court Ruling – E-cigarettes to Be Regulated Like Tobacco

Researchers Claim Electronic Cigarettes Safer than Traditional Smokes

State E-Cigarette Legislation/Local Bans – Update

National Vapers Club Members Claim Electronic Cigarettes Help them Quit Smoking

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Research Evaluates Acute Effects of Electronic Cigarettes

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Since e-cigarettes are relatively new on the market, little research has been done to determine their effects. Smokers can find a wealth of information about the immediate (a.k.a. acute) effects of traditional smokes but for e-cigarettes, there’s not much out there.

One study conducted last year by Dr. Thomas Eissenberg and associates at Virginia Commonwealth University helped provide some clarity on the acute effects of electronic cigarettes…study findings were published in the American Association for Cancer Research journal.

Researchers at VCU in Richmond, Virginia evaluated 32 smokers in 4 different conditions separated by product – (1) smokers’ own regular cigarette brand, (2) NPRO brand electronic cigarettes with a 18-mg nicotine cartridge, (3) Hydro brand electronic cigarettes with a 16-mg nicotine cartridge and (4) what was dubbed ‘sham,’ or an unlit cigarette.

At two separate times during each session, participants took 10 puffs. Four factors were assessed, including:

  1. Plasma nicotine concentration
  2. Carbon monoxide concentration
  3. Heart Rate
  4. Subjective effects of the user

Within the first five minutes, regular cigarette users experienced increased plasma nicotine concentration, carbon monoxide concentration and heart rate. NPRO, Hydro and sham users did not experience this increase in concentration and heart rate.

Also, own brand, NPRO and Hydro significantly decreased tobacco abstinence symptom ratings but increased product acceptability ratings.

From these results, researchers were able to conclude that neither of the electronic cigarette brands exposed users to measurable levels of nicotine and carbon monoxide. Each though suppressed nicotine/tobacco abstinence ratings. This finding is one strong reason why we think it’s unwise to market electronic cigarettes as quit smoking aids.

Studies like this can shed a lot of light on the effects of electronic cigarettes. Understanding the true nature of these devices can help us properly communicate the benefits (…and risks) of these devices.

From these findings, we can definitively conclude electronic cigarettes present a safer alternative to traditional smokes.

If you’re looking for such alternative, we invite you to examine our large selection of electronic cigarettes for sale…our available models cover all types of vapers’ preferences and needs.

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Getting your Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit and Accessories Lightning Fast

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Just what happens when you place an order with Modern Vapor? After you click that ‘order’ or ‘buy’ button, the fun is just beginning for us, and you!

Anytime we see someone new trying electronic cigarettes, we do our absolute best (…and not just for first-timers but for everyone) to get the order out as fast as possible. Depending on the time of day you place your order, purchases are shipped either the same day or early the next day.

Once your payment clears, then we’re ready to ship.

We send all of our e-cigarette orders through the United States Postal Service. Costs are as follows (all order amounts are subtotals):

  • Orders under $30 – $3.20
  • Orders from $30.01 to $54.99 – $5.95
  • Orders from $55 to $98.99 – $7.95
  • Orders $99 and above – FREE

All of these shipping costs are for orders within the United States. We do ship out of the country but considering the variety of rates, we ask customers contact us directly before placing an order to get an idea on shipping costs.

All of our shipments too are securely packaged to ensure your e-cigarette supplies make it to you in one piece. But if you’re not satisfied for any reason, Modern Vapor does accept returns within 14 days of your purchase.

And if you’re e-cigarette starter kit or accessories are damaged in shipment or defective, you have 30 days to return your purchases for either a replacement or full refund.

So to experience fast shipping, great customer service and above all, a revolutionary way to enjoy smoking, check out our wide variety of e-cigarette starter kits and accessories today.

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Some State & Local Governments Considering E-Cigarette Bans, Other Restrictions

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

It’s that time of year again when state legislatures are in session with a few states actively considering e-cigarette bans.

Some are trying to ban them outright while others are simply putting sensible regulations in place. One organization, the American Lung Association is lobbying state legislatures around the country to ban the sale and possession of these devices.

(See a statement and analysis on ALA’s position here)

Some of these efforts on the part of the ALA and others is paying off for them…but not for electronic cigarette users unfortunately.

New York is considering an outright ban with current legislation recently passing a key committee vote.  Oregon’s Attorney General recently persuaded two large truck stop chains with outlets in their state to remove e-cigarettes from their inventory.

Local government and health departments like King County, Washington have passed bans.

On a positive note, a Utah bill banning the sale of e-cigarettes was recently withdrawn.

Some of the bills circulating in state legislatures we think are good…sale of e-cigarettes to minors and restrictions around schools and places like that are good laws to consider in our opinion. Arizona is one state considering measures like these as is Colorado.

If you live in one of these states considering draconian restrictions like bans on e-cigarettes, we urge you to contact your state representatives and ask them to oppose such measures. Learn more about any efforts to derail the right to vape by choosing your state from this list.

And of course, bookmark and visit Modern Vapor’s e-cigarette blog and knowledge center for the most up-to-date information on national, state and local regulations or efforts to curtail e-cigarettes in any unreasonable ways.

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Researchers Claim Electronic Cigarettes Safer than Traditional Smokes

Friday, February 11th, 2011

While it’s dicey from a legal perspective for us to claim electronic cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, new research printed in this month’s issue of Journal of Public Health Policy concludes electronic cigarettes are much safer than traditional ones and shows promise in the fight against tobacco related diseases.

This Boston University study is the first to comprehensively examine scientific evidence about the safety and effectiveness of electronic cigarettes.

“Few, if any, chemicals at levels detected in electronic cigarettes raise serious health concerns,” the study’s authors wrote. “Although the existing research does not warrant a conclusion that electronic cigarettes are safe in absolute terms and further clinical studies are needed to comprehensively assess the safety of electronic cigarettes, a preponderance of the available evidence shows them to be much safer than tobacco cigarettes and comparable in toxicity to conventional nicotine replacement products.”

Specifically, Boston University’s report analyzed 16 laboratory studies to identify the components in electronic cigarette nicotine liquid and vapor. Authors found carcinogen levels in e-cigarettes were about 1,000 times lower than traditional cigarettes.

Since their introduction into the U.S. a few years ago, electronic cigarettes have stirred much controversy.

While many anti-smoking groups along with the FDA oppose e-cigarettes because of a lack of study about them, a federal judge’s December ruling ordered the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes like regular tobacco products.

Michael Siegel, professor of community health sciences at BU, says a ban on electronic cigarettes would force many people to resume their old smoking habits. He questions why the FDA and other health organizations would support such a move.

The report also reviewed some preliminary evidence that electronic smoking reduces one’s urge to smoke real cigarettes because is simulates real smoking.

Read more about Boston University’s report here.

We hope the FDA considers this information when making decisions about the regulation of electronic cigarettes.

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One Step Forward, One Step Back on E-Cigarette Regulations

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

As you know from some of our posts on the matter, there’s been a constant battle brewing between electronic cigarette manufacturers and retailers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

At issue is how electronic cigarettes should be regulated. The FDA contends the devices should be regulated as drugs, which many believe would ultimately lead to ban on the devices in the U.S. Some individual states are considering bans pending a full review of e-cigarettes by the FDA.

It’s been a constant back and forth – there’s some good news and some bad news for vapers.

First the good news – the FDA received a big setback from a D.C. Court of Appeals whose ruling effectively denied the agency’s request for a review of a three-judge panel’s decision. Specifically, the ruling ordered the FDA to regulate electronic cigarettes as tobacco products.

An FDA spokesman said Monday the agency is evaluating the latest court ruling and determining if it will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Now for the bad news – the New York State Assembly currently has a bill to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes pending more detailed findings from the FDA on the safety of the vaping devices.

The bill, sponsored by Manhattan Democrat Linda Rosenthal, has passed out of the Health Committee and is currently in another New York House committee. It’s still unclear whether the bill will ultimately become law. It passed the State House last year but died in the Senate.

Health officials contend electronic cigarettes encourage minors to take up smoking. They also contend it’s not widely known what goes into the e-cigarette’s nicotine liquid…the health effects of e-cigarettes are not widely known.

Advocates who’ve used e-cigarettes consider the devices to be a miracle of sorts and want them to be regulated as tobacco products. They claim e-cigarettes helped the dramatically reduce or completely quit their smoking habits.

If you’re a resident of New York State, we urge you to call your state representative, senators and governor and urge them to oppose this bill.  And let’s keep it up!! Electronic cigarettes should be available to anyone 18 or over and responsibly regulated.

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Club Commissions Study to Learn Effects of Electronic Cigarettes On Indoor Air Quality

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

One of our industry’s consumer groups – the National Vapers Club – has commissioned a study to determine the effects electronic cigarette use has on indoor air quality.

As you may or may not know, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration along with the World Health Organization has been using its power to potentially ban electronic cigarettes in the United States. They have strict guidelines on how they’re supposed to be marketed, etc. For example, we are not allowed to claim electronic cigarettes help you quit smoking.

Currently, the FDA and related agencies are evaluating the health and safety of e-cigarettes. Those of us in the industry think our products should be considered tobacco products and regulated as such.

However, the FDA may classify them as a drug which would for all intents and purposes, ban electronic cigarettes in the United States. (…see about a court ruling blocking this move for now)

ExperimentsTo better understand e-cigarettes and to “clear the air,” the National Vapers Club is commissioning a study to understand the affects e-cigarettes use has on indoor air quality. They contracted with a firm experienced in studying indoor air quality as well as specific affects related to smoking.

The study will consist of two parts – data collection and analysis/publication.

NVC is hopeful results from this study will help alleviate people’s concerns about the health and indoor environmental impact of electronic cigarettes.  Results from this study and future ones will help the industry, consumers and government agencies better understand exposure risks and other health concerns of e-cigarettes.

Read more about some myths surrounding e-cigs in our electronic cigarette knowledge center today. And if you have any questions about e-cigarettes, please don’t hesitate to ask.

In regards to the study, the data collection phase is complete. Researchers are currently compiling their findings and will release a final report soon. When they do, we’ll let you know and provide a quick summary.

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Modern Vapor Introduces Points Based Reward Program

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

Everywhere you look, some company is offering a rewards program. Your credit card perhaps has a rewards program…or maybe you get some kind of preferred customer discount if you travel a lot.

Modern Vapor is now offering a point-based rewards program, known simply as MyRewards, as a way to thank our most loyal customers.

All you’ve got to do to participate is to create an account on our website. Then, when you purchase a starter kit, some nicotine liquid or some spare atomizers and batteries, you will accrue points.

You earn 1 point for every dollar you spend with us.

Not only that, you begin accruing points immediately. There’s no minimum purchase…no waiting periods or anything like that.

Once you accrue enough points, let us know you want to redeem some and get yourself some free vaping accessories…it takes 30 MyRewards points to equal a $1 value on the site. Therefore if you want some electric cigarette accessory that cost $10, you will need to accrue 300 points to get it for free.

“After thinking about how to attract new customers and entice them to stay, we felt the MyRewards program was the way to go. Now our customers will be able to obtain free atomizers, batteries, electronic cigarette starter kits or any other product we offer with their points,” comments Sandra Kaeo, president of Modern Vapor.

Check out our new rewards program today and if you don’t have an account, easily create one today and begin getting a little reward for shopping with us.

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