By Claudia Melissa Rivers


The e-cigarette initially launched in 2003 was developed by the SBT Co. Ltd. based in Beijing, China. Ruyan stepped in following the product's launch to provide additional development of the technology and proceed to introduce electronic cigarettes to the European market in 2006. Promotions in Europe called e-cigarettes "Electro fags". It was clear the public was ready for e-cigarettes.

A replacement for tobacco was not the vision of those who developed e-cigarettes. They were offering a nicotine delivery system that smokers could use to soothe their need for a "fix" when cigarette smoking was not an option available to them. Aggressive marketers soon began advertising e-cigs as a method to quit smoking. Manufacturers did not approve the advertising and the World Health Organization condemned the ads with a statement that there was a yet no proof of the benefits of smoking electronic cigarettes.

Many consumers referred to the use of electronic cigs not as a habit but as a hobby. Flavors and nicotine concentrations were debated on forums by people who called themselves "vapers", They discussed vapor volume and the quality of taste of e-liquid brands used for refills.

Initially, almost all electronic cigarettes resembled the tobacco cigarette closely although the realism left a lot to be desired. In time, e-cigarettes came into their own and now you can find the products in many colors or printed with logos of lacy gold metallics. The stylish designs often no longer try to look like tobacco cigarettes but are designed to provide variety to the consumer.

A trade association was formed by the suppliers of electronic cigarettes to present the e-cig as a viable and safe alternative to smoking tobacco. The rapidly increasing popularity of electronic brands makes it imperative to share accurate information with the public.

A significant amount of opposition has been exerted by big tobacco and big pharma who have targeted electronic cigarettes as the enemy (i.e., the competition). The powerful lobbyists of these conglomerates have exerted pressure on the FDA to regulate or ban electronic smokes. The FDA appears to have folded under the pressure and has issued its own warnings about e-cigs. However, a recent court decision that reversed an import ban imposed by the FDA may counteract at least some of this government agency's bias.

Tobacco companies and pharmaceuticals have been quick to spread misinformation about the effects of e-smoking. Amazingly, companies that sell the most dangerous consumer product available to the public are expressing concern about the safety of electronic cigarettes and the effect e-cigs might have on public health.

The two piece disposable cartridge design is a recent innovation in the electronic cigarette market. After about 400 puffs, which is the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes, the smoker simply unscrews the spent mouthpiece and screws on a new cartridge pre-filled with nicotine solution. No cleaning is needed, no e-liquid is required and changing the cartridge is as easy as opening a cigarette pack.

Electronic cigarettes may have a short history but there is a huge potential market for these products. Demand continues to increase as more information about the safety and improved quality of the best electronic cigarettes becomes available to the smoking public.




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