Electronic cigarettes have a short history as they were introduced in 2003 by the SBT Co. Ltd. of Beijing, China. After the first launch, Ruyan developed the electronic products further and introduced electronic cigarettes to the European market at a 2006 Austrian conference. Marketing promotions assigned the name “Electro fag” to electronic cigarettes.
Initially, the e-cig was not meant as a replacement for tobacco but as an alternative nicotine delivery system to be used where tobacco smoking was not allowed. The purpose was simply to ease the nicotine cravings of smokers during periods when smoking was not an activity they could indulge in. Overly promotional marketers quickly began referring to e-cigarettes as a method to help the public stop smoking. Manufacturers recognized the danger of making such claims and disapproved of the ads. The World Health Organization issued a statement condemning the portrayal of electronic smoking products as a cure for smoking as benefits and risks of e-cigarettes had not been tested.
Some smokers think of their e-cigs as a hobby but not a habit. Online forums for “vapers” (those who use electronic cigs) heatedly discuss the merits of one brand over another, the strength of various e-liquids and argue about which e-cig provide the highest volume of vapor to the smoker.
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.
In 2009, electronic cigarette suppliers formed their own trade association with a goal of providing factual information about electronic cigarettes and correcting misinformation spread by others. The focus is to promote electronic smoking as an alternative to smoking tobacco.
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.
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