A Healthy Way to Smoke

Clinical studies have clearly established the connection between smoking and several chronic medical conditions, which includes different forms of cancers, emphysema, and coronary diseases. Aside from the health hazards associated with smoking, there are also risks posed to other people through secondhand smoking. So, one of the challenges for health professionals and smokers alike is to find a solution to the health risks that smoking brings. Aside from "stop smoking" campaigns, perhaps a more realistic approach is to find smoking alternatives that present smokers the pleasure of smoking without the health problems associated with it. One of these alternatives is the e cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.

What is an e cigarette?

An e cigarette is an electronic device that’s being introduced as an alternative to traditional smoking. It does this by vaporizing a nicotine mixture or packet and that in turn is inhaled by the smoker. Electronic cigarettes generally contain a heating and mechanical mechanism, and a nicotine cartridge or container. The heating mechanism usually contains a sensor where it activates the heating or vaporizing process when inhalation or vacuum action is detected. This then turns the nicotine mixture into a vapor, ready for inhalation by the smoker.

E cigarettes are usually made to look and feel like traditional cigarettes, and they even have an LED that lights up when a smoker puffs on the cigarette. The device is usually powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which the smoker needs to recharge should the electronic cigarette run out of power.

How can the electronic cigarette be a healthy alternative to smoking?

According to studies, much of the carcinogens and toxins from tobacco smoking comes from the burning of tobacco leaves. There are 19 known carcinogens found when tobacco leaves burn. Aside from those, there are also lead and tar from cigarette smoking. And, one should not forget, the smoke also affects the surrounding people through secondhand smoke. Then there’s also the carbon monoxide emitted that affects the quality of the environment.

Despite these health hazards, smokers continue on with their habit. It is the stimulating but calming effects of nicotine that make people addicted to smoking. Additionally, nicotine constitutes a large part of the taste of tobacco.

If you consider these facts, you may be able to discern how electronic cigarettes can become a healthy alternative. Look at these points:

1. E cigarettes don’t burn tobacco leaves.
2. E cigarettes just provide the nicotine without the carcinogens and toxins.
3. E cigarettes don’t give out smoke.

If you combine those points, then you should form a picture in your mind of how electronic cigarettes are much better than conventional, unhealthy cigarettes. You know the saying "where there’s smoke, there’s fire"? Of course, the reverse is also true. If there’s no fire, there’s no smoke. In the case of tobacco smoking, combustion takes place. In electronic cigarettes, this process doesn't happen at all. So if there’s no combustion, you remove the conditions that results in the production or release of toxins, carcinogens, and carbon monoxide.

Another advantage that e cigarettes present is that they give out the same pleasure of traditional smoking as using e cigarettes simulates the inhalation of smoke. Also, these devices are made to look and feel like cigarettes, so smokers would have an easier time transitioning to them. As smoking is also a psychological habit, many smokers need to feel a stick between their fingers and lips. This is one thing that can’t be given by other smoking alternatives such as the nicotine gum and the nicotine patch.

Finally, an alternative!

Smoking does present several health hazards and risks, but through technology, even that can be circumvented. One innovative solution that uses technology to solve the health problems posed by cigarette smoking is the electronic cigarette.