A survey published by JF Etter suggests that electronic cigarettes help smokers to quit, yet the US Food and Drug Administration continues to say they may be dangerous, even with evidence to the contrary.

The results come as no surprise to the people who use the device.

“We are thrilled to have yet another survey confirming what thousands of our members already know: Electronic cigarettes really do help people quit smoking,” says Spike Babaian, president of the National Vapers Club, a consumer advocacy group for people who use e-cigarettes. “Our membership grows every day, and we never tire of hearing how successful people have been at making the switch from deadly traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes.” (more…)

Electronic cigarettes are opening a new front in the tobacco wars as state and local lawmakers try to restrict the product, which may allow users to circumvent smoking bans.

The battery-powered device is made up of a cartridge containing nicotine, flavoring and chemicals. It turns nicotine, which is addictive, into a vapor that is inhaled. Users say they’re “vaping,” not smoking.

E-cigarettes are used by at least a half-million Americans, says Matt Salmon, head of the Electronic Cigarette Association. (more…)

The last time Frank Meglio smoked a cigarette he had to plug it in and charge it. Then the 38-year-old Providence man inhaled through the white plastic cigarette-like tube, which activated a little lithium battery inside that produced a flame-like light, a smoke-like vapor and a nicotine hit.

Smoking’s gone high-tech.

Electronic cigarettes, or “e cigs” as they’re often called, have been in existence about a decade. But only recently, as tobacco cigarette prices soar, have they gained popularity, and controversy.

These products are being promoted as offering smokers the nicotine they want without the cancer-causing chemicals they don’t want. Since there’s no odor and no real smoke (just propylene glycol used in theatrical fog) or flame (just a tiny light at the tip for effect), they can be used indoors. They come in different flavors and four levels of nicotine dosages. (more…)

Almost 70 percent of adult smokers say they want to quit; the most common reason given is concern about their health.

The concern is well justified. The four leading causes of death in the U.S. — cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and lung disease — are all strongly linked to cigarette smoke exposure. One out of every five deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to smoking.

The dangers get worse with age. Adult smokers lose on average 13 years of life for men and 14.5 years for women because of smoking. (more…)