Do you believe e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to tobacco products?
Ruth Erickson: “No! There is still nicotine intake so that by inhaling vapor instead of smoke, e-cigarettes can be just as addictive and can cause serious health problems.”
Marty Richman: “No, inhaling nicotine in any form is not safe, but I believe e-cigarettes are safer. It’s relative; drinking alcohol, our largest addiction problem, is not safe when you see the results, but we tolerate it. I believe e-cigarettes are safer for nearby non-smokers because they do not generate particles, which are dangerous to inhale even without nicotine – ask a fireman. The anti-smoking campaigns should concentrate on children and protecting third parties and let adults enjoy their minor sins; that is what being an adult and sin taxes are all about. Note, I have not smoked a cigarette since 1977.”
Jim West: “Yes, we know tobacco will kill you but we don’t know the full impacts of e-cigarettes, so reducing your intake of tobacco has got to be a better alternative. ”
Mary Zanger: “No. Since this is a Chinese product our experience reminds us that safety and efficacy data are missing. Product ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol and unknown flavors may be safe for oral consumption but their inhalant safety is unknown. Possible inflammatory and disruptive effects on lung and bronchiole tissue are unknown. Because these cigarettes are tar free strong marketing promotes their safety. But since they do contain nicotine their addiction is guaranteed and our country has not had the proper time interval to collect and analyze safety and efficacy data.”
Richard Place: “Why would the media even spend time asking this question about e-cigarettes. Must have been a short news day.”
