You may or may not have noticed a trend in the past few years of smokers who don’t fill the air with harmful smoke, and pollute the air with the nasty cigarette smell, but rather puff on the new e-cigarettes. Many folks claim that the newer e-cigarette is a healthier option, but really not much is known quite yet about the effects. Since 2007, many smokers have switched from traditional tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Thousands have claimed that it has helped them dramatically reduce the amount of smoking they do, as well as help them quit smoking all-together. If you are a smoker, and want to try out the new e-cigarette, here are a few things to know before you jump in and give them a try.

What is the difference between tobacco and e-cigarettes?
The biggest and most notable difference is the fact that the e-cigarette contains no tobacco. There is no smoke that comes out of the cigarette, and no need for a lighter or match to get started. The e-cigarette is made using a technology that ignites liquid nicotine and turns it into a vapor. Each e-cigarette is made with a rechargeable battery, nicotine cartridge, and a sensor and atomizer that helps turn the liquid nicotine into a vapor to inhale just like cigarette smoke, without the lingering smoke and smell.

Pro’s and Cons of E-Cigarettes
The biggest benefit of the e-cigarette is the elimination of tobacco. Also, traditional tobacco cigarettes have over 300 harmful products in them, that cause more than just bad lungs. With e-cigarettes, you escape from all the harmful chemicals, all except nicotine.

Nicotine, though is not as not as “harmful’ as many of the chemicals in traditional cigarettes, is highly addictive. Though many have been able to get off traditional smoking, many e-cigarettes have just as much nicotine, if not more as tobacco cigarettes.

Not much is know yet about any effects of inhaling tobacco, and e-cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA, making many worried about the lack of studies and any health claims given about e-cigarettes. Many will venture into using the e-cigarettes, however you may want to be cautious about where you use them. Many business still frown on people using them, since many people still see it as smoking. In fact, in DC, a pair of congressmen are working to ban the e-cigarette from indoor business use just like the traditional cigarette.

What are your thoughts? Have you moved to e-cigarettes? Would love to get your feedback on what you think of the devices and if it has helped you quit or reduce smoking, or if it is just another fad.

By Chris Haro