Thursday, May 22, 2014

Electronic Cigarette: Representative Jeff Wardlaw


Just recently the Centers for Disease Control issued an alarming report about the number of calls coming into the poison control center concerning children who ingested the liquid found in electronic cigarettes.  Back in 2010, the center would receive approximately one call a month.  Now over 200 calls come in every month due to a child opening the device and either swallowing the liquid or getting it in their eyes.

       An electronic cigarette (e-cig or e-cigarette), personal vaporizer (PV) or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) is a battery-powered device which simulates tobacco smoking by producing a vapor that resembles smoke.

       E-cigarettes are gaining in popularity.  Many smokers use them believing they will lead to smoking cessation.

       The 89th General Assembly began addressing some of the concerns with e-cigarettes in 2013.  Act 1188 prohibits distribution of “alternative nicotine products” either through an employee of a store or through vending machines to anyone under the age of 18.

       But the Arkansas Health Department is warning Arkansans about some of the potential hazards to all consumers.  According to the Health Department the devices contain chemicals that are currently unregulated and pose known and unknown health risks.
Parents should be aware that electronic cigarettes and similar electronic nicotine delivery devices are available in a variety of flavors, such as bubble gum, strawberry, chocolate, and mint, which may be attractive to children.
Pregnant women should avoid using these devices and children should not be exposed to them. The nicotine crosses the placenta and can damage the lungs, heart, and central nervous system of the developing fetus.

Pregnant women should know exposure to nicotine, in conventional or electronic cigarettes, may:
·         cause a miscarriage;

·         cause low birth weight, creating significant health challenges for their babies;

·         affect the unborn baby’s blood flow, heart rate and breathing;

·         contribute to sudden infant death syndrome.

It is illegal for e-cigarettes to be marketed as a smoking cessation aid. A number of electronic cigarette companies have received warning letters from the FDA for making such claims.
Electronic cigarettes and similar electronic nicotine delivery devices have not been tested adequately as tobacco cessation devices. Until Food and Drug Administration approval is given, the Arkansas Department of Health recommends that FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products, such as nicotine patches, which contain controlled doses of nicotine, be used for tobacco cessation efforts.

1 comment:

  1. There is only the necessity of insert the nicotine stuffed cartridge to make the one thing work. The taste from the electronic cigarette is much like that of the traditional cigarette but there isn't any presence of the dangerous substances. Thanks Thank you for this nice article

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