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| When the smoker puffs on the e-cigarette, the heating element vaporizes the water and nicotine and the mist is taken into the lungs. |
They’re e-cigarettes (or electronic cigarettes) and they're becoming increasingly available.
E-cigarettes consist of a cartridge containing nicotine and water, a heating element and a battery. They look very much like a real, filtered cigarette. When the smoker puffs on the e-cigarette, the heating element vaporizes the water and nicotine and the mist is taken into the lungs. |
Cartridges come in a variety of flavors, ranging from cherry to grape to strawberry, as well as some not-so-traditional flavors like rose, green tea and plum. The cartridges also come in a variety of nicotine strengths ranging from zero to 24 mg. Cartridges are equivalent to about half a pack to 1 ½ packs of cigarettes.
| Manufacturers and marketers claim that e-cigarettes contain none of the harmful additives found in conventional cigarettes. Yet, they do contain nicotine which is highly addictive and the drug that makes it so difficult to quit using conventional tobacco products. (Click here to read about the common effects of nicotine.) Many also claim that e-cigarettes can help you quit smoking altogether. Yet, there haven’t been any studies done on whether e-cigarettes actually help smokers quit. |
E-cigarettes have not been approved as a safe product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). |
The flavors and novelty of the product may also be popular with children and teens, encouraging them to take up smoking.
E-cigarettes have not been approved as a safe product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In Nebraska, the Smoke-Free Air Law doesn’t prohibit e-cigarettes since the product is not “lit.” As a result, they could be used indoors; however, it may be in the best interest of a business (especially bars) to prohibit their use because their appearance is so similar to conventional cigarettes which could cause confusion about whether or not the business is following the law.
For more information about e-cigarettes, see this policy guidance document developed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Sources: Legacy; Quit Tobacco, Make Everyone Proud
For more information, contact:
Tobacco Free Nebraska
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026
Phone: (402) 471-2101
E-mail: TFN Info |
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