E-cigarettes? Probably better for the people around you
As the world becomes more digital, (and complicated), you knew this was coming, and now it’s here..electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or personal vaporizers), and for the nicotine-addicted, this might not be a bad idea.
I’m not a smoker, but at the college where I teach, I feel for the students, faculty and staff who can’t kick the habit, as I watch them crowd into smaller and smaller smoking areas in all kinds of weather, while dealing with the expense, smell, health effects and negative comments from passers-by.
A few days ago, I was passing by the desk of a colleague who smokes, and noticed a whole bunch of high technology on her desk. There was a multi-part cylinder that looked like a traditional cigarette, plug-in chargers, cartridges, and even a USB charger. She filled me in, and caught my attention.
These e-cigarettes are actually personal atomizers, that hold a supply of nicotine-laced fluid (in all kinds of flavors, from traditional tobacco to chocolate, vanilla, cherry…etc.).
When charged up, with the cylinder inserted, you suck on the end, as with a “real”cigarette, a red or blue light on the end lights up (for those who can’t live without the glow), and the atomizer delivers a stream of vapor to you.
Her initial reaction was good, and since there’s no fire, no ash and no second-hand smoke, she doesn’t have to leave the building when the nicotine craving kicks in.
It seemed to make sense, so I did a little research, and found that there are a number of companies that produce these things.
The construction of the “delivery device” varies from “standard cigarette” in appearnce to fancy tubes and pens. Cartridges range from varying strengths of nicotine to no nicotine whatsoever, just flavors.
Cost is from $60 to $150 to get the start-up kit, with cartons of replacement cartridges running about $25. Each one is good for 80-100 puffs, or the equivalent of 8-10 cigarettes. Overall, this looks like a less-expensive proposition over the long haul. (Aren’t “real” cigarettes up to about $5 a pack now?).
On the plus side, again, these devices supply personal nicotine without fire, ash, tar or second-hand smoke.
Worth considering…While they don’t provide the over 4,000 toxic substances in traditional cigarette smoke, they still have as many as 20…they aren’t considered “smoking cessation devices” (so you’re still addicted to nicotine, just in a more acceptable way), and I’m not sure what you do if your battery runs out when you REALLY need a little shot of nicotine.
At any rate, smokers, if you’re looking for a more socially acceptable way to continue the habit, without the second-hand effects on the people around you, a google search of e-cigarettes will get you all of the information you need.
Filed under: Ask Mike; Mike Madson, Coloradoweatherman | Tagged: e-cigarettes