The Prevalence of Electronic Cigarettes in our Community

Akela Moales Leah Aebly Gabrielle Hoisington

James M. Bennett High School

Wicomico County, Maryland

WHAT ARE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES?

also known as “E-Cigs” cigarette-shaped device contains a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and inhaled

used to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco

some are rechargeable

INGREDIENTS OF E-CIGARETTES:

The nicotine-based chamber normally contain a mixture of: propylene glycol, a liquid alcohol

glycerin, a colorless liquid nicotine, a colorless oily liquid found in tobacco

flavorings

Other types may use similar ingredients, but without nicotine.

COMPONENTS OF E-CIGARETTES:

HEALTH EFFECTS OF USE

Since E-cigarettes contain nicotine: Nicotine is the addictive component

of tobacco – it acts on the brain by releasing neurotransmitters to make you feel good, causing addiction

Nicotine acts as a stimulant which increases heart rate

Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, decreasing the flow of oxygen in the body and increasing blood pressure - all causing the heart to have to work harder

Nicotine narrows the bronchial passageways in the lungs, depriving the body of oxygen

The vapor released into the air by use also contains nicotine

LEGAL STATUS & FDA REGULATION

Age: In most states, the age for purchasing e- cigarettes is a minimum of 18.

The “Vape it” stores in Salisbury and Delaware require customers to be 18 or older to purchase from their websites or stores.

There are issues with underage e- cigarette users, but at least 41 states prohibit sales of e-cigarettes to minors as of October 6, 2014.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/alternative-nicotine-products-e-cigarettes.aspx

LEGAL STATUS & FDA REGULATION

Are ingredients regulated?

In April 2011, the FDA issued a statement that they intend to regulate e-cigarettes as “tobacco products.” (To date, the FDA has not taken authority, and has left the e-cigarette unregulated.)

E-cigarette bans: Several state governments are processing/adding e-cigarettes to their list of smoking bans.

Several countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes.

41 states prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors

OPINIONS OF USERS

One user who was interviewed about e- cigarettes say that when she tried them, she could stop smoking regular cigarettes two days later, even though she had been smoking for fifteen years.

Many users say that the reason they work so well is that it still gives you the action of smoking.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/03/28/e-cigarettes-doctor-view-good-bad-and-ugly/

OPINIONS OF SOME PHYSICIANS

One physician, Joel Niztkin, stated that getting people to switch to e-cigarettes would eventually reduce the US death toll from 400,000 a year to less than 4,000 a year.

Another doctor, interviewed on Fox News finds that the e-cigarette is one of the most effective methods of cutting down or quitting smoking. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/03/28/e-cigarettes-doctor-view-good-bad-and-ugly/

POSITIVES & NEGATIVES OF USE

Positives: less expensive than

regular cigarette

they don’t make you “smell” like a smoker

flavor choices

no second hand smoke?

no tar/tobacco

some places allow usage indoors, etc.

Negatives: STILL CONTAINS

NICOTINE

contains certain levels of carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as di-ethylene glycol, and nitrosamines

possible burns due to lithium battery heating up

second-hand effects unknown

possible poisonings

OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED

CDC study finds dramatic increase in e-cigarette related calls to Poison Centers (all 50 states and DC) More than 50% of the calls

involved young children under age 5; mainly due to ingestion.

Not needed to be childproof, have colors and flavors like candy that are appealing to children

Can also be poisoned by inhalation and absorption through skin and eyes.http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0403-e-cigarette-

poison.htmlhttp://www.wboc.com/story/26779698/liquid-nicotine-exposures-up-sharply-among-kids#.VD2mhhs--qk.mailto

ADVERTISEMENTS & PRICE

Even famous people do advertisements!

ADVERTISEMENTS & PRICE

E-cigarettes cost as little as $24.99 and as much as $199, depending on brand and function.

Since they are reusable, they are a value in comparison to tobacco prices.

Some starter kits are offered for free!

Replace e-cartridge and atomizers

Monthly: E-cigarettes $40-$60 a month Tobacco users about $180 a month

Yearly: E-cigarettes $516 a year Tobacco users $2,160 a year

LOCAL SPECIALTY STORES AND ONLINE SITES

Locations:

North Salisbury

South Salisbury

Millsboro advertised at the register at Ace Hardware

LOCAL SPECIALTY STORES AND ONLINE SITES

Isn’t this a pharmacy?

LOCAL SPECIALTY STORES AND ONLINE SITES

Online availability:

QUESTIONS?