The History Of Electronic Cigarettes - Brief But Hotly Debated | Lifestyle

The History Of Electronic Cigarettes - Brief But Hotly Debated

by MaryKayRivers

Electronic cigarettes have a rather short history. Introduced in 2003 by SBT Co. Ltd of Beijing, China the first e-cigarettes were short on both design and function. After the initial launch of the new products, Ruyan developed the design further using new e-cigarette technology and introduced electronic cigarettes to the European market in 2006. "Electro fag" was the name used in European promotions for the electronic cigarettes.

The first electronic smokes were not envisioned as a replacement for tobacco product. The concept was to provide a nicotine delivery system that smokers could use to soothe their need for a "fix" when they were in situations or locales where smoking tobacco was unacceptable. Marketers trying to sell electronic cigarettes quickly began advertising te products as a way to quit the tobacco habit. This did not gain approval from the e-cig manufacturers and was quickly condemned by the World Health Organization. The safety of electronic cigarettes had not been thoroughly tested and the WHO claimed there was no proof as yet of any benefits to users.

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.

Early e-cigarette designs parroted the image of tobacco smokes. In time, new designs were added as smoking electronically came into its own. Now buyers can choose from a variety of colors stylishly designed and may opt for logos or elegant designs on their e-cigs. Some versions bear little resemblance to traditional cigarettes while others are so closely designed to mimic tobacco products you must look twice to tell the difference. Popularity of e-cigarettes continues to grow.

A trade association was recently formed by electronic cigarette suppliers to promote the e-cig as a safer nicotine delivery system than tobacco. Popularity of the electronic products continues to grow rapidly. The association has a mission to spread accurate information about the products to 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.

Though the history of e-cigarettes may be short, the future is very bright for this product. The improvements in user experience and vapor volume combined with factual information is being provided to the buying public. Suppliers hope this will generate a demand for e-cigs that will only increase with time.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Mary Kay Rivers has become a true expert on all facets of electronic cigarettes. Her articles about the story of electronic cigarettes and the FDA or about the best electronic cigarette have become well-known.