Cigarettes Pedia - User contributions [en]

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING

2010-04-23T10:47:30Z

Valerias:

There are plenty of methods which help people to quit smoking. Everyone, who has already experienced that, have chosen the one suitable for him. Below you will find a new, quite extraordinary theory of quitting. Although this can be your way to win the addiction.
[[Image:Quit_smoking-small.jpg|right|quit smoking]]

'''Quit smoking exactly at the moment you decided to quit. Not earlier, not later.'''

If you used to have, for example, forty cigarettes a day, be ready to struggle with forty strong urges to smoke every day. In case you don't feel it, you are just keeping down your real desires. Don't do that! For sure you will have the necessity to smoke 40 times a day. If you carry on pretending that it is not true, finally you won't be able to handle the situation. You will light up a cigarette at the moment of temptation.

Therefore don't conceal the real situation from yourself, but remember and think of it constantly. In such a way it will be easier to overcome the addiction.
You should remember that you always have the possibility to choose. Every time when you have a desire to take a deep drag on a cigarette, just confess: “I do want to smoke”. Don't try to cheat yourself, but better go to the forest and scream at the top of your voice: “I want to smoke”. Afterwards say to yourself: “But now I prefer not to smoke.” It is always up to you – to smoke or not to smoke. And in every concrete moment your choice will be not to smoke. The most important thing is to make the right choice all 40 times a day. With time, the desire to smoke will come rarer and finally, it will disappear completely.

As you used to do before, have your cigarettes and lighter with you, as it will encourage you to be sure that you really have choice and you are responsible for it. Remember that nobody can take cigarettes away from you, depriving you of the possibility to choose. When a person is missing something he is eager to have or when he is deprived of that something, he becomes bitter and even pissed off. You are not an exception. It will be difficult for you to escape this feeling while quitting as well. So, when it happens, you just say to yourself: “I have my cigarettes and lighter with me, nobody can tell me not to smoke. I can smoke whenever I want, but now I prefer NOT to.
You should live for the moment, without trying to predict what will happen in 5 minutes. Refuse to have a cigarette at every concrete moment, but not for the whole life.
Every time you decide not to smoke, think about the benefits of being a non-smoker. Just remember how much you put at hazard your health, smoking cigarettes.

Never try to substitute smoking with anything else. Otherwise it will be the same suppression of desires, which is not helpful in this case. You don't have to eat more and oftener, to chew constantly the gum or suck lollipops to quit smoking. You shouldn't sleep more than usual or abuse alcohol drinks. Do not gnaw your nails or nibble sunflower seeds or invent any other things to distract yourself from the desire to smoke. If you do something which is not in your character, just confess: “I really don't need it. The only thing I need is to smoke.” Even if you start to feel the desire to smoke again, you know how to behave. This time you choose not to smoke. And it is not necessary to become a sportsman or a fan of healthy lifestyle just because you decided to quit smoking, Don't go too far, if it doesn't agree with you. Your aim for today is to quit smoking, the rest can be postponed by tomorrow.

Don't try to escape meeting your smoking friends or the situations, where you are tempted to smoke. If, for example, you associate a cup of strong coffee with smoking, it doesn't mean that you should stop drinking coffee. Try to enjoy it, in spite of your incredibly strong desire to smoke, because you know what to choose.

'''Remember the most important thing:''' one drag and all is lost! Smoking is addiction, which can be revived even after the 5 years of withdrawal with smoking just one cigarette. Don't forget it as well as the fact that you are the person who is supposed to choose.

So now, if anybody offers you the best cigarettes in the world, your answer will be: “Thank you so much, but I don't smoke”.

File:Quit smoking-small.jpg

2010-04-23T10:47:03Z

Valerias:

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING

2010-04-23T10:45:27Z

Valerias:

There are plenty of methods which help people to quit smoking. Everyone, who has already experienced that, have chosen the one suitable for him. Below you will find a new, quite extraordinary theory of quitting. Although this can be your way to win the addiction.
[[Image:Quit_smoking.jpg|right|quit smoking]]

'''Quit smoking exactly at the moment you decided to quit. Not earlier, not later.'''

If you used to have, for example, forty cigarettes a day, be ready to struggle with forty strong urges to smoke every day. In case you don't feel it, you are just keeping down your real desires. Don't do that! For sure you will have the necessity to smoke 40 times a day. If you carry on pretending that it is not true, finally you won't be able to handle the situation. You will light up a cigarette at the moment of temptation.

Therefore don't conceal the real situation from yourself, but remember and think of it constantly. In such a way it will be easier to overcome the addiction.
You should remember that you always have the possibility to choose. Every time when you have a desire to take a deep drag on a cigarette, just confess: “I do want to smoke”. Don't try to cheat yourself, but better go to the forest and scream at the top of your voice: “I want to smoke”. Afterwards say to yourself: “But now I prefer not to smoke.” It is always up to you – to smoke or not to smoke. And in every concrete moment your choice will be not to smoke. The most important thing is to make the right choice all 40 times a day. With time, the desire to smoke will come rarer and finally, it will disappear completely.

As you used to do before, have your cigarettes and lighter with you, as it will encourage you to be sure that you really have choice and you are responsible for it. Remember that nobody can take cigarettes away from you, depriving you of the possibility to choose. When a person is missing something he is eager to have or when he is deprived of that something, he becomes bitter and even pissed off. You are not an exception. It will be difficult for you to escape this feeling while quitting as well. So, when it happens, you just say to yourself: “I have my cigarettes and lighter with me, nobody can tell me not to smoke. I can smoke whenever I want, but now I prefer NOT to.
You should live for the moment, without trying to predict what will happen in 5 minutes. Refuse to have a cigarette at every concrete moment, but not for the whole life.
Every time you decide not to smoke, think about the benefits of being a non-smoker. Just remember how much you put at hazard your health, smoking cigarettes.

Never try to substitute smoking with anything else. Otherwise it will be the same suppression of desires, which is not helpful in this case. You don't have to eat more and oftener, to chew constantly the gum or suck lollipops to quit smoking. You shouldn't sleep more than usual or abuse alcohol drinks. Do not gnaw your nails or nibble sunflower seeds or invent any other things to distract yourself from the desire to smoke. If you do something which is not in your character, just confess: “I really don't need it. The only thing I need is to smoke.” Even if you start to feel the desire to smoke again, you know how to behave. This time you choose not to smoke. And it is not necessary to become a sportsman or a fan of healthy lifestyle just because you decided to quit smoking, Don't go too far, if it doesn't agree with you. Your aim for today is to quit smoking, the rest can be postponed by tomorrow.

Don't try to escape meeting your smoking friends or the situations, where you are tempted to smoke. If, for example, you associate a cup of strong coffee with smoking, it doesn't mean that you should stop drinking coffee. Try to enjoy it, in spite of your incredibly strong desire to smoke, because you know what to choose.

'''Remember the most important thing:''' one drag and all is lost! Smoking is addiction, which can be revived even after the 5 years of withdrawal with smoking just one cigarette. Don't forget it as well as the fact that you are the person who is supposed to choose.

So now, if anybody offers you the best cigarettes in the world, your answer will be: “Thank you so much, but I don't smoke”.

File:Quit smoking.jpg

2010-04-23T10:44:41Z

Valerias:

CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD

2010-04-23T10:41:26Z

Valerias:

[[Image:Smoking_doctor_-_small.jpg|left|Smoking Doctors]]

Do you know that approximately one-third of the world’s smokers reside in China. where the national smoking prevalence is about 30%. Nearly 800,000 Chinese die each year as a result of smoking, and the number will increase to 2 million by 2025 if current smoking rates continue. Smoking is expected to cause one-third of all deaths among Chinese men by 2030.

Medical interventions can be effective in helping smokers to quit. Not only are physicians primarily responsible for delivering such interventions, they are usually viewed as role models for health-related behavior such as smoking. Although the dangers of smoking are well known throughout the medical profession, physicians do not always set a good example for patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) documents that the prevalence of smoking among physicians in China is 61% for men and 12% for women. Other studies have reported different prevalence rates. For example, a study of 3,553 physicians from 6 Chinese cities reported a smoking prevalence of 23% (men, 41%; women, 1%). In another study of 786 physicians, overall smoking prevalence was 20%. Annually, 76% of smokers are seen by physicians in China, creating an opportunity to counsel patients about quitting. However, few physicians ask about smoking status or advise smokers to quit. Studies showed that less than half of physicians “often” or “always” advise smokers to quit.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 hospitals in China from March 5 through March 15, 2007. The reported smoking rates ranged from 13% to 57%; such a wide range could be partially explained by geographical and sociocultural variations in China, the year when the study was taking place or the specialty of the physicians. The rates, shown during this survey, are lower than those conducted among physicians in the Netherlands (38%), Japan (34%), and France (32%), but higher than those reported for the USA (3%), New Zealand (5%) and the United Kingdom (7%). It was found that smoking is more prevalent among male than female physicians.

The study showed that physicians who smoke are less likely to believe that health professionals should serve as nonsmoker role models for their patients and the public. It was suggested that interventions aimed at reducing cigarette smoking among physicians would lower the overall smoking rate.

It was found that Chinese physicians lack sufficient knowledge about the health hazards of smoking. They need more education about the link between maternal smoking and neonatal death. In addition, physicians, especially those who smoke, need more education about the links between secondhand smoke and risk of lung disease, heart disease, and lower respiratory tract disease. Incorporating and adapting best practices for counseling patients about cessation into the medical school curriculum may increase knowledge and prevent smoking in young medical students.

The finding that working in a hospital with smoke-free policies was negatively associated with cessation counseling was counterintuitive. In follow-up interviews with key hospital personnel and physicians, it was learned that hospitals with smoke-free policies often did not enforce them. In addition, many physicians in this follow-up did not know whether their hospital was smoke-free. As a result, it was suggested that smoke-free policies need to be better communicated and enforced.

Also it was observed that younger physicians were more likely to follow good cessation counseling practices. Counseling practices may, therefore, improve with time. Continuing education on smoking cessation should be offered to all age groups of physicians, and clinical staff should routinely assess and record the smoking status of every patient in the hospital’s medical record systems as a vital sign.

Asking about smoking (71%) was less common than advising to quit smoking (78%) among the physicians. Although it is consistent with another study among the physicians in China, it is in contrast with studies among the US and Hong Kong physicians. US physicians ask about smoking status during two thirds of all visits, but only advise about 20% of smokers to quit. Similarly, 77% of the Hong Kong physicians usually ask about smoking and only 29% advise smokers to quit. The higher rate of advising to quit than asking about smoking in the current study may be due to the fact that patients raise the issue themselves because of increased awareness. As many physicians smoke they are reluctant to proactively ask about smoking status of the patients. Also, it is possible that physicians who did advise smokers to quit wished to encourage patients to buy cessation medications. Cessation medications are not subsidized by the health care system; smokers have to buy these medications with their own money. In many cases, physicians get incentives from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing branded medications which might have encouraged physicians to advise their patients to quit and, probably, to suggest buying certain cessation products. In contrast, asking and recording smoking status is not mandatory in the Chinese health care system and there is no incentive for doing so.

Reading any guidelines about counseling patients to quit smoking was positively associated with recording smoking status and advising smokers to quit. However, most guidelines were available in English, but most Chinese physicians cannot read English. A brief Chinese language guideline was developed in 2007 (written communication, Dr Jiang Yuan, Director of the National Tobacco Control Office, China CDC, Beijing, China, June 2008), after this study was completed, and is not yet available to all physicians. In a follow-up investigation, it was found out that most physicians were not aware of this brief Chinese guideline. However, many had heard about the international guidelines, mostly US and UK guidelines, and a few had briefly investigated these international guidelines through the Internet, but did not understand the details of the recommendations because of the language barriers. Hopefully, the developing a national guideline in Chinese and promoting it to the physicians would be useful.
Some limitations of this study should be noted. First, the response rate of 85% may have been higher if a second survey would have been delivered. Second, because the survey was anonymous, no information on the characteristics of nonresponding physicians is available, and respondents may have differed from nonrespondents, which may limit the generalizability of the study findings. Finally, respondents may have underreported behaviors viewed as deviant or socially undesirable.

Overall, the findings stress the need to enforce smoke-free hospital policies, to develop a national guideline in Chinese and promote it to the physicians, to increase interventions that will help physicians to quit smoking.

Source: [http://www.cdc.gov/PCD/issues/2010/jan/09_0006.htm Smoking Status and Cessation Counseling Practices Among Physicians, Guangxi, China, 2007]

File:Smoking doctor - small.jpg

2010-04-23T10:40:44Z

Valerias:

OBAMA WILL MAKE OR BREAK CIGARETTES MAIL BAN

2010-04-23T09:37:02Z

Valerias:

[[Image:Obama_bill_small.jpg|right|Obama signs the bill]]

Finally they did!!! The Congress sent the “Prevents All Cigarette Trafficking” (PACT) Act to President Obama for approvement and sign.
The ban is a measure that would bring the full weight of the federal government down on the Seneca Nation's huge tax-free tobacco trade that New York State has been fighting for years.

The House, in a 387-25 vote, sent Obama a bill the Senate had approved six days earlier. The president is expected to sign it shortly, and it would take effect 90 days later.

On the one hand, this bill will allow states and localities to have a major revenue boost by cracking online sale of tobacco.

On the other hand, this law is going to devastate the nation's tobacco entrepreneurs and make thousands of people jobless.

Seneca representatives stated that while warning of the economic dangers the bill poses to the tribe.

"Enforcement will be difficult," said Gerry McKiernan, a spokesman for the Postal Service.
Because of privacy laws, "Priority Mail is sealed from inspection. All first-class mail is sealed from inspection. I don't really know how it's going to work," declared McKiernan. If the mailing of cigarettes is blocked, the financially struggling Postal Service could lose $30 million to $40 million a year in revenue, McKiernan added.
But that's nothing compared with the potential loss to the Senecas.

"This is a direct assault on our economy and our people," declaired Barry E. Snyder Sr., the tribe's president. "And it will have a devastating ripple effect on the Western New York economy."

Snyder said he didn't understand how local lawmakers could support the bill. "It is difficult to comprehend how our elected officials can vote for something that will kill more than 1,000 jobs," he said. "It's extremely disappointing."

Is it right to deprive people of the opportunity to buy cigarettes for affordable prices. Will this ban have the positive impact on smoking cessation and cancer elimination?

Simon Clark, director of Forest [http://www.forestonline.org/output/home.aspx (Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)], proved that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen. That makes us hesitate whether smoking is really a major problem which causes the increase of cancer cases. What about pollution, plastic surgery, embryonic stem cell rejuvenation?

File:Obama bill small.jpg

2010-04-23T09:36:36Z

Valerias:

OBAMA WILL MAKE OR BREAK CIGARETTES MAIL BAN

2010-04-23T09:33:28Z

Valerias:

[[Image:Obama_bill.jpg|right|Obama signs the bill]]

Finally they did!!! The Congress sent the “Prevents All Cigarette Trafficking” (PACT) Act to President Obama for approvement and sign.
The ban is a measure that would bring the full weight of the federal government down on the Seneca Nation's huge tax-free tobacco trade that New York State has been fighting for years.

The House, in a 387-25 vote, sent Obama a bill the Senate had approved six days earlier. The president is expected to sign it shortly, and it would take effect 90 days later.

On the one hand, this bill will allow states and localities to have a major revenue boost by cracking online sale of tobacco.

On the other hand, this law is going to devastate the nation's tobacco entrepreneurs and make thousands of people jobless.

Seneca representatives stated that while warning of the economic dangers the bill poses to the tribe.

"Enforcement will be difficult," said Gerry McKiernan, a spokesman for the Postal Service.
Because of privacy laws, "Priority Mail is sealed from inspection. All first-class mail is sealed from inspection. I don't really know how it's going to work," declared McKiernan. If the mailing of cigarettes is blocked, the financially struggling Postal Service could lose $30 million to $40 million a year in revenue, McKiernan added.
But that's nothing compared with the potential loss to the Senecas.

"This is a direct assault on our economy and our people," declaired Barry E. Snyder Sr., the tribe's president. "And it will have a devastating ripple effect on the Western New York economy."

Snyder said he didn't understand how local lawmakers could support the bill. "It is difficult to comprehend how our elected officials can vote for something that will kill more than 1,000 jobs," he said. "It's extremely disappointing."

Is it right to deprive people of the opportunity to buy cigarettes for affordable prices. Will this ban have the positive impact on smoking cessation and cancer elimination?

Simon Clark, director of Forest [http://www.forestonline.org/output/home.aspx (Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)], proved that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen. That makes us hesitate whether smoking is really a major problem which causes the increase of cancer cases. What about pollution, plastic surgery, embryonic stem cell rejuvenation?

OBAMA WILL MAKE OR BREAK CIGARETTES MAIL BAN

2010-04-23T09:32:59Z

Valerias:

Finally they did!!! The Congress sent the “Prevents All Cigarette Trafficking” (PACT) Act to President Obama for approvement and sign.
The ban is a measure that would bring the full weight of the federal government down on the Seneca Nation's huge tax-free tobacco trade that New York State has been fighting for years.
[[Image:Obama_bill.jpg|right|Obama signs the bill]]

The House, in a 387-25 vote, sent Obama a bill the Senate had approved six days earlier. The president is expected to sign it shortly, and it would take effect 90 days later.

On the one hand, this bill will allow states and localities to have a major revenue boost by cracking online sale of tobacco.

On the other hand, this law is going to devastate the nation's tobacco entrepreneurs and make thousands of people jobless.

Seneca representatives stated that while warning of the economic dangers the bill poses to the tribe.

"Enforcement will be difficult," said Gerry McKiernan, a spokesman for the Postal Service.
Because of privacy laws, "Priority Mail is sealed from inspection. All first-class mail is sealed from inspection. I don't really know how it's going to work," declared McKiernan. If the mailing of cigarettes is blocked, the financially struggling Postal Service could lose $30 million to $40 million a year in revenue, McKiernan added.
But that's nothing compared with the potential loss to the Senecas.

"This is a direct assault on our economy and our people," declaired Barry E. Snyder Sr., the tribe's president. "And it will have a devastating ripple effect on the Western New York economy."

Snyder said he didn't understand how local lawmakers could support the bill. "It is difficult to comprehend how our elected officials can vote for something that will kill more than 1,000 jobs," he said. "It's extremely disappointing."

Is it right to deprive people of the opportunity to buy cigarettes for affordable prices. Will this ban have the positive impact on smoking cessation and cancer elimination?

Simon Clark, director of Forest [http://www.forestonline.org/output/home.aspx (Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)], proved that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen. That makes us hesitate whether smoking is really a major problem which causes the increase of cancer cases. What about pollution, plastic surgery, embryonic stem cell rejuvenation?

File:Obama bill.jpg

2010-04-23T09:32:14Z

Valerias:

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T15:22:00Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, cigarettespedia.com offers to read this article.

It should help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not emphasizing the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, focusing on its harm. The article aims at finding out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made a decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. It was determined by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings. The researchers caution that electronic devices can be even more harmful than standard cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction. The availability of different flavors like strawberry can attract children to them.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of e-cigarettes. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although some benefits over the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''. And nobody knows whether they ever accept it.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T12:14:35Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, this article is offered.

It should help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not emphasizing the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, focusing on its harm. The article aims at finding out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made a decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. It was determined by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings. The researchers caution that electronic devices can be even more harmful than standard cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction. The availability of different flavors like strawberry can attract children to them.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of e-cigarettes. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although some benefits over the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''. And nobody knows whether they ever accept it.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T11:07:30Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, this article is offered.

It should help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not emphasizing the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, focusing on its harm. The article aims at finding out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made a decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. It was determined by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings. The researchers caution that electronic devices can be even more harmful than standard cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction. The availability of different flavors like strawberry can attract children to them.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although some benefits over the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''. And nobody knows whether they ever accept it.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T11:04:03Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, this article is offered.

It should help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not emphasizing the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, focusing on its harm. The article aims at finding out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made a decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings. The researchers caution that electronic devices can be even more harmful than standard cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction. The availability of different flavors like strawberry can attract children to them.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although some benefits over the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''. And nobody knows whether they ever accept it.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarettes - Product Introduction

2010-04-19T09:26:03Z

Valerias:

Being quite a new phenomenon in the smoking industry, electronic cigarettes arise intense interest in our society. Smokers are concerned whether it can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, non-smokers hope that this way of smoking won't create any second-hand smoking harm. Both concerns are obvious. Before making any conclusion, it is better to find out first how this thing works.

Electronic cigarette uses advanced microelectronic and physical atomization technology to atomize nicotine dilution extracted from tobacco. The nicotine dilution contains nicotine and tobacco flavor.

Some flavor varieties attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol and some even try to mimic specific cigarette brands, such as Marlboro or Camel. Fruit and other flavors are also available, such as vanilla, caramel and coffee.

===Electronic Cigarette Structure===

There are many different styles of e-cigarettes on the market today. However, all models are made of the same basic components and operate in the same general manner.

[[Image:E-Cigarettes.jpg|Electronic Cigarettes]]

The major components of the electronic cigarette are battery, atomizer, inhaler, e-Liquid container and indicator light. Inhaler and e-Liquid container represent the atomization cartridge. E-Liquid container contains atomized nicotine dilution. The inhaler is for one-use only.

===Operating Mode===

After installing cartridge and battery correctly, the electronic cigarette enters its standby status and smoking action can be stimulated through dragging on the inhaler. When smoking action begins, the circuit is activated and the indicator in the front part of the cigarette body lights up immediately; when inhaling ends, atomization stops accordingly and its operating mode turns into standby. The best angle of using this unit is horizontal and it is forbidden to use it upwards to prevent any small amount of liquid from flowing into the mouth which may cause stimulation of oral mucositis.

The built-in micro-computer controlled programs have self-cleaning function; when accumulated number of electronic cigarette suctions reaches 1,500, the indicator in the front part of the cigarette body will keep on lighting for 6 seconds, which means that the micro-computer controlled programs are cleaning the unit automatically.

Old cartridge will have to be replaced by a new one, if smoke is reduced. When the power of the dedicated lithium battery is used up, the indicator light in the front part of the cigarette body flashes continuously, giving a signal that new dedicated lithium battery should be installed.

===Use of AC Charger===

The dedicated lithium battery should be screwed into electronic cigarette's dedicated charger. Charger can work normally at AC 100V-240V 50/60Hz voltage. To avoid the risk of electric shock, charger should be unplugged from its power source before cleaning it. Charger is prohibited to be used outdoors or in a damp environment.

===History===

The electronic cigarette was first developed with a registered patent, in April 2003 by SBT Co. Ltd., a Beijing based company, which is now controlled by the Golden Dragon Group Ltd. In 2004, Ruyan took over the project to further develop the emerging technology. Ruyan officially absorbed SBT Co. Ltd. and their name was changed to SBT RUYAN Technology & Development Co., Ltd. Already in May 2004, Ruyan sold the first electronic cigarette in China. In its first 3 years of production, SBT RUYAN showed steady increases in sales, from $1.7 million in 2004 to $37 million in 2006.
In April 2006, the electronic cigarette was brought to Europe, and officially launched at the "RUYAN" Overseas Promotion Conference in Austria. After its introduction, this product was adapted to the European market and marketed in UK as the "Electro fag". According to Matt Salmon, president of the recently formed Electronic Cigarette Association, the total number of electronic cigarette users was estimated to be 300,000 people in October 2009, based on survey results.

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T09:22:44Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, this article is offered.

It should help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not emphasizing the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, focusing on its harm. The article aims at finding out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings. The researchers caution that electronic devices can be even more harmful than standard cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction. The availability of different flavors like strawberry can attract children to them.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although some benefits over the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''. And nobody knows whether they ever accept it.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

File:Twisp E-Cigarettes min.jpg

2010-04-19T09:06:16Z

Valerias:

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T08:57:45Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, we offer to read this article.

We hope it will help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not our purpose to emphasize the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, to focus on its harm. We just want to find out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings. The researchers caution that electronic devices can be even more harmful than standard cigarettes, can lead to nicotine addiction. The availability of different flavors like strawberry can attract children to them.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although some benefits over the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''. And nobody knows whether they ever accept it.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T08:50:55Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, we offer to read this article.

We hope it will help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not our purpose to emphasize the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, to focus on its harm. We just want to find out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|right|FDA bans e-cigarettes]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although the benefits upon the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T08:50:03Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, we offer to read this article.

We hope it will help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not our purpose to emphasize the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, to focus on its harm. We just want to find out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

[[Image:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg|rigth]]

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although the benefits upon the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

File:FDA-E-Cigarettes.jpg

2010-04-19T08:49:08Z

Valerias:

Electronic Cigarettes - Product Introduction

2010-04-19T08:42:13Z

Valerias:

Being quite a new phenomenon in the smoking industry, electronic cigarettes arise intense interest in our society. Smokers are concerned whether it can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, non-smokers hope that this way of smoking won't create any second-hand smoking harm. Both concerns are obvious. Without further ado, first lets try to find out how this thing works.

Electronic cigarette uses advanced microelectronic and physical atomization technology to atomize nicotine dilution extracted from tobacco. The nicotine dilution contains nicotine and tobacco flavor.

Some flavor varieties attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol and some even try to mimic specific cigarette brands, such as Marlboro or Camel. Fruit and other flavors are also available, such as vanilla, caramel and coffee.

===Electronic Cigarette Structure===

There are many different styles of e-cigarettes on the market today. However, all models are made of the same basic components and operate in the same general manner.

[[Image:E-Cigarettes.jpg|Electronic Cigarettes]]

The major components of the electronic cigarette are battery, atomizer, inhaler, e-Liquid container and indicator light. Inhaler and e-Liquid container represent the atomization cartridge. E-Liquid container contains atomized nicotine dilution. The inhaler is for one-use only.

===Operating Mode===

After installing cartridge and battery correctly, the electronic cigarette enters its standby status and smoking action can be stimulated through dragging on the inhaler. When smoking action begins, the circuit is activated and the indicator in the front part of the cigarette body lights up immediately; when inhaling ends, atomization stops accordingly and its operating mode turns into standby. The best angle of using this unit is horizontal and it is forbidden to use it upwards to prevent any small amount of liquid from flowing into the mouth which may cause stimulation of oral mucositis.

The built-in micro-computer controlled programs have self-cleaning function; when accumulated number of electronic cigarette suctions reaches 1,500, the indicator in the front part of the cigarette body will keep on lighting for 6 seconds, which means that the micro-computer controlled programs are cleaning the unit automatically.

Old cartridge will have to be replaced by a new one, if smoke is reduced. When the power of the dedicated lithium battery is used up, the indicator light in the front part of the cigarette body flashes continuously, giving a signal that new dedicated lithium battery should be installed.

===Use of AC Charger===

The dedicated lithium battery should be screwed into electronic cigarette's dedicated charger. Charger can work normally at AC 100V-240V 50/60Hz voltage. To avoid the risk of electric shock, charger should be unplugged from its power source before cleaning it. Charger is prohibited to be used outdoors or in a damp environment.

===History===

The electronic cigarette was first developed with a registered patent, in April 2003 by SBT Co. Ltd., a Beijing based company, which is now controlled by the Golden Dragon Group Ltd. In 2004, Ruyan took over the project to further develop the emerging technology. Ruyan officially absorbed SBT Co. Ltd. and their name was changed to SBT RUYAN Technology & Development Co., Ltd. Already in May 2004, Ruyan sold the first electronic cigarette in China. In its first 3 years of production, SBT RUYAN showed steady increases in sales, from $1.7 million in 2004 to $37 million in 2006.
In April 2006, the electronic cigarette was brought to Europe, and officially launched at the "RUYAN" Overseas Promotion Conference in Austria. After its introduction, this product was adapted to the European market and marketed in UK as the "Electro fag". According to Matt Salmon, president of the recently formed Electronic Cigarette Association, the total number of electronic cigarette users was estimated to be 300,000 people in October 2009, based on survey results.

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T08:40:52Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, we offer to read this article.

We hope it will help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not our purpose to emphasize the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, to focus on its harm. We just want to find out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although the benefits upon the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T08:32:18Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, we have tried to accumulate the useful information regarding this issue here.

We hope it will help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not our purpose to emphasize the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, to focus on its harm. We just want to find out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is:''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although the benefits upon the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

Electronic Cigarette Use – Pros and Cons

2010-04-19T08:31:34Z

Valerias:

It is a common thing that people are always suspicious about new products. Of course, there are pioneers who except innovations without any doubts, but they are in a minority. For the rest, who are still undecided whether electronic cigarettes can be a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, we have tried to accumulate the useful information regarding this issue here.

We hope it will help you to weigh all the pros and cons of the electronic cigarette use and to determine your own, independent opinion. It is not our purpose to emphasize the benefits of electronic cigarette smoking or, conversely, to focus on its harm. We just want to find out the real facts concerning this relevantly new product.

If you open any user manual for electronic cigarettes, it declares that this product has the significant advantages over the conventional cigarettes.
Here are some of them:

* Free of tar and other carcinogenic substances harmful to the human body;
* Non-flammable, without the danger of over 4,000 chemical substances produced by the traditional cigarettes;
* Don't create any second-hand smoking harm. Don't pollute the environment;
* Don't provide the hidden danger of the fire accident and can be used in most public places;
* Possess wide serviceable range and is able to function normally between -5 to 42 C degrees;
* Simulates smoke temperature with the body temperature;
* Free of electromagnetic radiation;
* The nicotine content of each liquid container is less than that of 20 ordinary cigarettes.

On the basis of mentioned above advantages some hospitals in USA (e.g. in Tampa, Florida) made the decision to allow the use of electronic cigarettes within their facilities. The hospital authorities explain this decision by the fact that smoking is a recreational privilege that while banned in most public places, can be done with the alternative electronic cigarette without offending others. This new invention allows the smoker to get their nicotine fix just like the coffee or soda drinkers get their caffeine fix. The benefits to management comes in the form of increased productivity in the workplace since the employees do not have to waste time traveling to designated smoking places; they no longer smell like a smoker and their employees health is not adversely affected by tobacco smoke.

In the mean time, the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette, as it is often called) has been under the fire from the '''FDA''' since 2008. That year marked the start of the FDA’s efforts to prevent e-cigarettes from entering the United States. To date, there have been approximately 50 shipments refused.

In May 2009, the US FDA's Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of cartridges by two vendors. Dyethylene glycol was detected in one of the eighteen cartridges. In addition, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were detected in all of the cartridges from one brand and two of the other. Further concerns were raised over inconsistent amounts of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electronic cigarettes may be marketed to young people and lack appropriate health warnings.

The FDA's study was reviewed in July 2009 by scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc., in a report commissioned by the manufacturer of one of the electronic cigarettes tested by the FDA. Some of the criticisms in Exponent's report are poor standards of documentation and analysis. Exponent lists previous studies that have detected TSNA levels in FDA-approved nicotine-replacement therapy products comparable to those the FDA detected in their study, and objects to the FDA making no comparisons to such products in their analysis of electronic cigarettes. Ultimately the review concludes that the FDA's study did not support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the use of electronic cigarettes.

The presence of trace amounts of TSNAs in electronic cigarette vapor was previously documented in an October 2008 analysis performed by '''Health New Zealand Ltd'''. and funded by the electronic cigarette manufacturer Ruyan. However, unlike the FDA study, this study conducted detailed quantitative analysis and concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. The final conclusion of the safety report is: '''"Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended.'''

The controversy surrounding electronic cigarettes and the FDA continues. As reported by CNN, New York Times and USA Today, the FDA lost its first battle against e-cigarettes in a federal court and is appealing the ruling. Although Green Smoke and other e-cigarette producers have tested their products with independent laboratories, the '''FDA''' and anti-smoking groups have not accepted this evidence of the product’s safety.

However, in March of 2009, '''Health Canada''' has issued the advisory against the use of this product. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products and, in some cases, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction." In other words, Health Canada is advising Canadians not to purchase or use electronic smoking products, as these products may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality and efficacy by Health Canada.

As to '''World Health Organization''', it has declared that it doesn't consider electronic cigarettes to be the legitimate smoking cessation aid. "WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product's safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. WHO underlines that if electronic cigarette producers insist on their product to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework to be able to provide scientifically grounded facts.

To make a conclusion, we must say that it is not proven yet that electronic cigarettes represent the secure aid for smoking cessation, although the benefits upon the conventional cigarette smoking are obvious. At least electronic cigarettes do not produce second hand smoking and tar, which is so harmful for the human body. However, we would recommend to abstain from a constant use of this product, considering that its safety and the absence of negative impact on human's health are not still accepted by the official bodies as '''US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)''' and '''World Health Organization'''.

==External links==

* [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2009/2009_53-eng.php Health Canada Advises Canadians Not to Use Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes]

* [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html Marketers of electronic cigarettes should halt unproved therapy claims]

OBAMA WILL MAKE OR BREAK CIGARETTES MAIL BAN

2010-03-31T11:01:13Z

Valerias:

Finally they did!!! The Congress sent the “Prevents All Cigarette Trafficking” (PACT) Act to President Obama for approvement and sign.
The ban is a measure that would bring the full weight of the federal government down on the Seneca Nation's huge tax-free tobacco trade that New York State has been fighting for years.

The House, in a 387-25 vote, sent Obama a bill the Senate had approved six days earlier. The president is expected to sign it shortly, and it would take effect 90 days later.

On the one hand, this bill will allow states and localities to have a major revenue boost by cracking online sale of tobacco.

On the other hand, this law is going to devastate the nation's tobacco entrepreneurs and make thousands of people jobless.

Seneca representatives stated that while warning of the economic dangers the bill poses to the tribe.

"Enforcement will be difficult," said Gerry McKiernan, a spokesman for the Postal Service.
Because of privacy laws, "Priority Mail is sealed from inspection. All first-class mail is sealed from inspection. I don't really know how it's going to work," declared McKiernan. If the mailing of cigarettes is blocked, the financially struggling Postal Service could lose $30 million to $40 million a year in revenue, McKiernan added.
But that's nothing compared with the potential loss to the Senecas.

"This is a direct assault on our economy and our people," declaired Barry E. Snyder Sr., the tribe's president. "And it will have a devastating ripple effect on the Western New York economy."

Snyder said he didn't understand how local lawmakers could support the bill. "It is difficult to comprehend how our elected officials can vote for something that will kill more than 1,000 jobs," he said. "It's extremely disappointing."

Is it right to deprive people of the opportunity to buy cigarettes for affordable prices. Will this ban have the positive impact on smoking cessation and cancer elimination?

Simon Clark, director of Forest [http://www.forestonline.org/output/home.aspx (Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)], proved that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen. That makes us hesitate whether smoking is really a major problem which causes the increase of cancer cases. What about pollution, plastic surgery, embryonic stem cell rejuvenation?

OBAMA WILL MAKE OR BREAK CIGARETTES MAIL BAN

2010-03-31T11:00:36Z

Valerias:

Finally they did!!! The Congress sent the “Prevents All Cigarette Trafficking” (PACT) Act to President Obama for approvement and sign.
The ban is a measure that would bring the full weight of the federal government down on the Seneca Nation's huge tax-free tobacco trade that New York State has been fighting for years.

The House, in a 387-25 vote, sent Obama a bill the Senate had approved six days earlier. The president is expected to sign it shortly, and it would take effect 90 days later.

On the one hand, this bill will allow states and localities to have a major revenue boost by cracking online sale of tobacco.

On the other hand, this law is going to devastate the nation's tobacco entrepreneurs and make thousands of people jobless.

Seneca representatives stated that while warning of the economic dangers the bill poses to the tribe.

"Enforcement will be difficult," said Gerry McKiernan, a spokesman for the Postal Service.
Because of privacy laws, "Priority Mail is sealed from inspection. All first-class mail is sealed from inspection. I don't really know how it's going to work," declared McKiernan. If the mailing of cigarettes is blocked, the financially struggling Postal Service could lose $30 million to $40 million a year in revenue, McKiernan added.
But that's nothing compared with the potential loss to the Senecas.

"This is a direct assault on our economy and our people," declaired Barry E. Snyder Sr., the tribe's president. "And it will have a devastating ripple effect on the Western New York economy."

Snyder said he didn't understand how local lawmakers could support the bill. "It is difficult to comprehend how our elected officials can vote for something that will kill more than 1,000 jobs," he said. "It's extremely disappointing."

Is it right to deprive people of the opportunity to buy cigarettes for affordable prices. Will this ban have the positive impact on smoking cessation and cancer elimination?

Simon Clark, director of Forest [http://www.forestonline.org/output/home.aspx(Freedom Organization for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco)], proved that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen. That makes us hesitate whether smoking is really a major problem which causes the increase of cancer cases. What about pollution, plastic surgery, embryonic stem cell rejuvenation?

Articles

2010-03-31T10:58:03Z

Valerias:

===Tobacco And Cigarettes Articles===

# [[THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITY OF THE TOBACCO HABIT]] by Herbert H. Tidswell, M.D.(London: J. & A. Churchill, 1912)
# [[THE USE AND ABUSE OF TOBACCO]] by John Lizars, M.D. (Edinburgh: 1856, 1857, 1859, reprinted, Philadelphia: P. Blakiston, Son & Co, 1883)
# [[THE MYSTERIES OF TOBACCO]] by Rev. Benjamin I. Lane(New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1845, 1846, 1851)
# [[HOW TO MAKE HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTES]]
# [[CHEAP CIGARETTES AND THE PRICE/QUALITY RATIO]]
# [[HOOKAH - NEW TREND IN MODERN SMOKING]]
# [[SMOKING VERSUS OTHER HUMANITY'S GLOBAL PROBLEMS|SMOKING VERSUS OTHER HUMANITY'S GLOBAL PROBLEMS]] published on February 5th, 2010.
# [[SORTS OF TOBACCO]] published on February 16th, 2010.
# [[HOW TO QUIT SMOKING]] published on March 2th, 2010.
# [[CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD]] published on March 16th, 2010.
# [[SMOKING CAN BE PROHIBITED IN ALL VEHICLES IN THE UK]] published on March 26th, 2010.
# [[OBAMA WILL MAKE OR BREAK CIGARETTES MAIL BAN]] published on March 30th, 2010.

SMOKING CAN BE PROHIBITED IN ALL VEHICLES IN THE UK

2010-03-26T14:48:53Z

Valerias:

The Royal College of Physicians wants England's imminent review of anti-smoking laws to include such measures to protect the children.
They declare that passive smoking leads to 300,000 extra child visits to General Practitioners in the UK yearly related to such health diseases as asthma and bacterial meningitis.

[[Image:SmokingDriverREX_468x296_small.jpg|right|Smoking in the Car]]
'''However driving and smoking lobby groups insist that cars are a “private space”.'''

A number of medical bodies have supported a ban on smoking in cars transporting children, but the RCP goes a considerable step further, demanding a blanket ban on anyone lighting up in a vehicle - regardless of whether kids or indeed any other passengers are inside.

Several surveys have been conducted by RCP related to the second-hand smoke. As a result Passive Smoking and Children Report has been issued. The report suggests that in the UK, tens of thousands of children get sick as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke.

Therefore RCP is calling for a two-pronged approach which would see children protected from second-hand smoke and shielded from the sight of adults smoking - whether in the playground or on the TV.

It was discovered that second hand smoke causes 300,000 visits to a GP - some of which end up in hospital - costing the NHS £23.3m.

The report does concede that these figures are only estimates, but says it is confident they give an "indication" of the number of children who get sick.

The physicians confess that a ban on smoking at home would be neither politically or practically possible, as it is an intervention in the private sphere of each person, however the car is a mobile vehicle which can interfere with the private space of the other person, who doesn't have to tolerate it.

The report argues that the only way to make it practically enforceable would be to perform it as a blanket ban on all private vehicles - regardless of their passengers, as exemptions would prove too complex.

In addition, it makes recommendations to reduce the burden of passive smoking on children:

* Campaigns to explain to parents the importance of a smoke-free home
* Cigarette tax increases
* Generic cigarette packaging
* Reducing the number and accessibility of tobacco retailers to children, imposing strict penalties on those who sell to children
* Wide extension of smoke free legislation are also among the recommendations issued and so on

“This report isn't just about protecting children from passive smoking, it's about taking smoking completely out of children's lives," says Professor John Britton, head of the college's Tobacco Advisory Group and lead author of the report.

However it is not surprisingly that driving and smoking lobby groups shows their anger at the recommendations, arguing that legally it is prohibited to issue laws regulating every aspect of adult's behaviour.

Simon Clark, of Forest, which campaigns for smokers' rights, questioned the figures used in the report, noting that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen.

"It's unacceptable to single out smokers and imply that they are solely responsible for the cost of asthma treatments, hospital admissions and asthma drugs for children up to the age of 16.”

"We want smokers to be considerate towards those around them, especially children, but changing people's behavior should be achieved by education and encouragement not by legislation and enforcement."

Nigel Humphries, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said the car should be seen as an extension of the home and treated as such.
"The car is a private space and it crosses a line to start interfering in it, however much one disapproves of smoking."

[http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/media/Press-releases/Pages/24-Mar-2010-passive-smoking-is-a-major-health-hazard-to-children-says-the-RCP.aspx Source: 24 March 2010: Passive smoking is a major health hazard to children, says the RCP.]

SMOKING CAN BE PROHIBITED IN ALL VEHICLES IN THE UK

2010-03-26T14:02:45Z

Valerias:

The Royal College of Physicians wants England's imminent review of anti-smoking laws to include such measures to shield the children.
They declare that passive smoking leads to 300,000 extra child visits to General Practitioners in the UK yearly related to such health diseases as asthma and bacterial meningitis.

[[Image:SmokingDriverREX_468x296_small.jpg|right|Smoking in the Car]]
'''However driving and smoking lobby groups insist that cars are a “private space”.'''

A number of medical bodies have supported a ban on smoking in cars transporting children, but the RCP goes a considerable step further, demanding a blanket ban on anyone lighting up in a vehicle - regardless of whether kids or indeed any other passengers are inside.

Several surveys have been conducted by RCP related to the second-hand smoke. As a result Passive Smoking and Children Report has been issued. The report suggests that in the UK, tens of thousands of children get sick as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke.

Therefore RCP is calling for a two-pronged approach which would see children protected from second-hand smoke and shielded from the sight of adults smoking - whether in the playground or on the TV.

It was discovered that second hand smoke causes 300,000 visits to a GP - some of which end up in hospital - costing the NHS £23.3m.

The report does concede that these figures are only estimates, but says it is confident they give an "indication" of the number of children who get sick.

The physicians confess that a ban on smoking at home would be neither politically or practically possible, as it is an intervention in the private sphere of each person, however the car is a mobile vehicle which can interfere with the private space of the other person, who doesn't have to tolerate it.

The report argues that the only way to make it practically enforceable would be to perform it as a blanket ban on all private vehicles - regardless of their passengers, as exemptions would prove too complex.

In addition, it makes recommendations to reduce the burden of passive smoking on children:

* Campaigns to explain to parents the importance of a smoke-free home
* Cigarette tax increases
* Generic cigarette packaging
* Reducing the number and accessibility of tobacco retailers to children, imposing strict penalties on those who sell to children
* Wide extension of smoke free legislation are also among the recommendations issued and so on

“This report isn't just about protecting children from passive smoking, it's about taking smoking completely out of children's lives," says Professor John Britton, head of the college's Tobacco Advisory Group and lead author of the report.

However it is not surprisingly that driving and smoking lobby groups shows their anger at the recommendations, arguing that legally it is prohibited to issue laws regulating every aspect of adult's behaviour.

Simon Clark, of Forest, which campaigns for smokers' rights, questioned the figures used in the report, noting that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen.

"It's unacceptable to single out smokers and imply that they are solely responsible for the cost of asthma treatments, hospital admissions and asthma drugs for children up to the age of 16.”

"We want smokers to be considerate towards those around them, especially children, but changing people's behavior should be achieved by education and encouragement not by legislation and enforcement."

Nigel Humphries, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said the car should be seen as an extension of the home and treated as such.
"The car is a private space and it crosses a line to start interfering in it, however much one disapproves of smoking."

[http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/media/Press-releases/Pages/24-Mar-2010-passive-smoking-is-a-major-health-hazard-to-children-says-the-RCP.aspx Source: 24 March 2010: Passive smoking is a major health hazard to children, says the RCP.]

SMOKING CAN BE PROHIBITED IN ALL VEHICLES IN THE UK

2010-03-26T14:01:06Z

Valerias:

The Royal College of Physicians wants England's imminent review of anti-smoking laws to include such measures to shield the children.
They declare that passive smoking leads to 300,000 extra child visits to General Practitioners in the UK yearly related to such health diseases as asthma and bacterial meningitis.

[[Image:SmokingDriverREX_468x296_small.jpg|right|Smoking in the Car]]
However driving and smoking lobby groups insist that cars are a “private space”.

A number of medical bodies have supported a ban on smoking in cars transporting children, but the RCP goes a considerable step further, demanding a blanket ban on anyone lighting up in a vehicle - regardless of whether kids or indeed any other passengers are inside.

Several surveys have been conducted by RCP related to the second-hand smoke. As a result Passive Smoking and Children Report has been issued. The report suggests that in the UK, tens of thousands of children get sick as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke.

Therefore RCP is calling for a two-pronged approach which would see children protected from second-hand smoke and shielded from the sight of adults smoking - whether in the playground or on the TV.

It was discovered that second hand smoke causes 300,000 visits to a GP - some of which end up in hospital - costing the NHS £23.3m.

The report does concede that these figures are only estimates, but says it is confident they give an "indication" of the number of children who get sick.

The physicians confess that a ban on smoking at home would be neither politically or practically possible, as it is an intervention in the private sphere of each person, however the car is a mobile vehicle which can interfere with the private space of the other person, who doesn't have to tolerate it.

The report argues that the only way to make it practically enforceable would be to perform it as a blanket ban on all private vehicles - regardless of their passengers, as exemptions would prove too complex.

In addition, it makes recommendations to reduce the burden of passive smoking on children:

* Campaigns to explain to parents the importance of a smoke-free home
* Cigarette tax increases
* Generic cigarette packaging
* Reducing the number and accessibility of tobacco retailers to children, imposing strict penalties on those who sell to children
* Wide extension of smoke free legislation are also among the recommendations issued and so on

“This report isn't just about protecting children from passive smoking, it's about taking smoking completely out of children's lives," says Professor John Britton, head of the college's Tobacco Advisory Group and lead author of the report.

However it is not surprisingly that driving and smoking lobby groups shows their anger at the recommendations, arguing that legally it is prohibited to issue laws regulating every aspect of adult's behaviour.

Simon Clark, of Forest, which campaigns for smokers' rights, questioned the figures used in the report, noting that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen.

"It's unacceptable to single out smokers and imply that they are solely responsible for the cost of asthma treatments, hospital admissions and asthma drugs for children up to the age of 16.”

"We want smokers to be considerate towards those around them, especially children, but changing people's behavior should be achieved by education and encouragement not by legislation and enforcement."

Nigel Humphries, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said the car should be seen as an extension of the home and treated as such.
"The car is a private space and it crosses a line to start interfering in it, however much one disapproves of smoking."

[http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/media/Press-releases/Pages/24-Mar-2010-passive-smoking-is-a-major-health-hazard-to-children-says-the-RCP.aspx Source: 24 March 2010: Passive smoking is a major health hazard to children, says the RCP.]

File:SmokingDriverREX 468x296 small.jpg

2010-03-26T14:00:26Z

Valerias:

SMOKING CAN BE PROHIBITED IN ALL VEHICLES IN THE UK

2010-03-26T13:50:33Z

Valerias:

The Royal College of Physicians wants England's imminent review of anti-smoking laws to include such measures to shield the children.
They declare that passive smoking leads to 300,000 extra child visits to General Practitioners in the UK yearly related to such health diseases as asthma and bacterial meningitis.
However driving and smoking lobby groups insist that cars are a “private space”.

A number of medical bodies have supported a ban on smoking in cars transporting children, but the RCP goes a considerable step further, demanding a blanket ban on anyone lighting up in a vehicle - regardless of whether kids or indeed any other passengers are inside.
Several surveys have been conducted by RCP related to the second-hand smoke. As a result Passive Smoking and Children Report has been issued. The report suggests that in the UK, tens of thousands of children get sick as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke.
Therefore RCP is calling for a two-pronged approach which would see children protected from second-hand smoke and shielded from the sight of adults smoking - whether in the playground or on the TV.
It was discovered that second hand smoke causes 300,000 visits to a GP - some of which end up in hospital - costing the NHS £23.3m.
The report does concede that these figures are only estimates, but says it is confident they give an "indication" of the number of children who get sick.
The physicians confess that a ban on smoking at home would be neither politically or practically possible, as it is an intervention in the private sphere of each person, however the car is a mobile vehicle which can interfere with the private space of the other person, who doesn't have to tolerate it.
The report argues that the only way to make it practically enforceable would be to perform it as a blanket ban on all private vehicles - regardless of their passengers, as exemptions would prove too complex.
In addition, it intends to take actions in regards smoking being prohibited in places attended by children, such as parks and outdoor swimming pools - and exclusion zones outside school gates.
Campaigns to explain to parents the importance of a smoke-free home, cigarette tax increases and generic cigarette packaging are also among the recommendations issued.
“This report isn't just about protecting children from passive smoking, it's about taking smoking completely out of children's lives," says Professor John Britton, head of the college's Tobacco Advisory Group and lead author of the report.

However the driving and smoking lobby groups shows their anger at the recommendations, arguing that legally it is prohibited to issue laws regulating every aspect of adult's behavior.
Simon Clark, of Forest, which campaigns for smokers' rights, questioned the figures used in the report, noting that cases of asthma had been rising as the number of smokers had fallen.
"It's unacceptable to single out smokers and imply that they are solely responsible for the cost of asthma treatments, hospital admissions and asthma drugs for children up to the age of 16.”
"We want smokers to be considerate towards those around them, especially children, but changing people's behavior should be achieved by education and encouragement not by legislation and enforcement."
Nigel Humphries, spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said the car should be seen as an extension of the home and treated as such.
"The car is a private space and it crosses a line to start interfering in it, however much one disapproves of smoking."

[http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/media/Press-releases/Pages/24-Mar-2010-passive-smoking-is-a-major-health-hazard-to-children-says-the-RCP.aspx Source: 24 March 2010: Passive smoking is a major health hazard to children, says the RCP.]

Articles

2010-03-26T13:15:54Z

Valerias:

Articles

2010-03-26T13:15:26Z

Valerias:

CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD

2010-03-16T16:03:24Z

Valerias:

Do you know that approximately one-third of the world’s smokers reside in China. where the national smoking prevalence is about 30%. Nearly 800,000 Chinese die each year as a result of smoking, and the number will increase to 2 million by 2025 if current smoking rates continue. Smoking is expected to cause one-third of all deaths among Chinese men by 2030.

Medical interventions can be effective in helping smokers to quit. Not only are physicians primarily responsible for delivering such interventions, they are usually viewed as role models for health-related behavior such as smoking. Although the dangers of smoking are well known throughout the medical profession, physicians do not always set a good example for patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) documents that the prevalence of smoking among physicians in China is 61% for men and 12% for women. Other studies have reported different prevalence rates. For example, a study of 3,553 physicians from 6 Chinese cities reported a smoking prevalence of 23% (men, 41%; women, 1%). In another study of 786 physicians, overall smoking prevalence was 20%. Annually, 76% of smokers are seen by physicians in China, creating an opportunity to counsel patients about quitting. However, few physicians ask about smoking status or advise smokers to quit. Studies showed that less than half of physicians “often” or “always” advise smokers to quit.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 hospitals in China from March 5 through March 15, 2007. The reported smoking rates ranged from 13% to 57%; such a wide range could be partially explained by geographical and sociocultural variations in China, the year when the study was taking place or the specialty of the physicians. The rates, shown during this survey, are lower than those conducted among physicians in the Netherlands (38%), Japan (34%), and France (32%), but higher than those reported for the USA (3%), New Zealand (5%) and the United Kingdom (7%). It was found that smoking is more prevalent among male than female physicians.

The study showed that physicians who smoke are less likely to believe that health professionals should serve as nonsmoker role models for their patients and the public. It was suggested that interventions aimed at reducing cigarette smoking among physicians would lower the overall smoking rate.

It was found that Chinese physicians lack sufficient knowledge about the health hazards of smoking. They need more education about the link between maternal smoking and neonatal death. In addition, physicians, especially those who smoke, need more education about the links between secondhand smoke and risk of lung disease, heart disease, and lower respiratory tract disease. Incorporating and adapting best practices for counseling patients about cessation into the medical school curriculum may increase knowledge and prevent smoking in young medical students.

The finding that working in a hospital with smoke-free policies was negatively associated with cessation counseling was counterintuitive. In follow-up interviews with key hospital personnel and physicians, it was learned that hospitals with smoke-free policies often did not enforce them. In addition, many physicians in this follow-up did not know whether their hospital was smoke-free. As a result, it was suggested that smoke-free policies need to be better communicated and enforced.

Also it was observed that younger physicians were more likely to follow good cessation counseling practices. Counseling practices may, therefore, improve with time. Continuing education on smoking cessation should be offered to all age groups of physicians, and clinical staff should routinely assess and record the smoking status of every patient in the hospital’s medical record systems as a vital sign.

Asking about smoking (71%) was less common than advising to quit smoking (78%) among the physicians. Although it is consistent with another study among the physicians in China, it is in contrast with studies among the US and Hong Kong physicians. US physicians ask about smoking status during two thirds of all visits, but only advise about 20% of smokers to quit. Similarly, 77% of the Hong Kong physicians usually ask about smoking and only 29% advise smokers to quit. The higher rate of advising to quit than asking about smoking in the current study may be due to the fact that patients raise the issue themselves because of increased awareness. As many physicians smoke they are reluctant to proactively ask about smoking status of the patients. Also, it is possible that physicians who did advise smokers to quit wished to encourage patients to buy cessation medications. Cessation medications are not subsidized by the health care system; smokers have to buy these medications with their own money. In many cases, physicians get incentives from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing branded medications which might have encouraged physicians to advise their patients to quit and, probably, to suggest buying certain cessation products. In contrast, asking and recording smoking status is not mandatory in the Chinese health care system and there is no incentive for doing so.

Reading any guidelines about counseling patients to quit smoking was positively associated with recording smoking status and advising smokers to quit. However, most guidelines were available in English, but most Chinese physicians cannot read English. A brief Chinese language guideline was developed in 2007 (written communication, Dr Jiang Yuan, Director of the National Tobacco Control Office, China CDC, Beijing, China, June 2008), after this study was completed, and is not yet available to all physicians. In a follow-up investigation, it was found out that most physicians were not aware of this brief Chinese guideline. However, many had heard about the international guidelines, mostly US and UK guidelines, and a few had briefly investigated these international guidelines through the Internet, but did not understand the details of the recommendations because of the language barriers. Hopefully, the developing a national guideline in Chinese and promoting it to the physicians would be useful.
Some limitations of this study should be noted. First, the response rate of 85% may have been higher if a second survey would have been delivered. Second, because the survey was anonymous, no information on the characteristics of nonresponding physicians is available, and respondents may have differed from nonrespondents, which may limit the generalizability of the study findings. Finally, respondents may have underreported behaviors viewed as deviant or socially undesirable.

Overall, the findings stress the need to enforce smoke-free hospital policies, to develop a national guideline in Chinese and promote it to the physicians, to increase interventions that will help physicians to quit smoking.

Source: [http://www.cdc.gov/PCD/issues/2010/jan/09_0006.htm Smoking Status and Cessation Counseling Practices Among Physicians, Guangxi, China, 2007]

CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD

2010-03-16T15:22:24Z

Valerias:

Do you know that approximately one-third of the world’s smokers reside in China. where the national smoking prevalence is about 30%. Nearly 800,000 Chinese die each year as a result of smoking, and the number will increase to 2 million by 2025 if current smoking rates continue. Smoking is expected to cause one-third of all deaths among Chinese men by 2030.

Medical interventions can be effective in helping smokers to quit. Not only are physicians primarily responsible for delivering such interventions, they are usually viewed as role models for health-related behavior such as smoking. Although the dangers of smoking are well known throughout the medical profession, physicians do not always set a good example for patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) documents that the prevalence of smoking among physicians in China is 61% for men and 12% for women. Other studies have reported different prevalence rates. For example, a study of 3,553 physicians from 6 Chinese cities reported a smoking prevalence of 23% (men, 41%; women, 1%). In another study of 786 physicians, overall smoking prevalence was 20%. Annually, 76% of smokers are seen by physicians in China, creating an opportunity to counsel patients about quitting. However, few physicians ask about smoking status or advise smokers to quit. Studies showed that less than half of physicians “often” or “always” advise smokers to quit.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 5 hospitals in China from March 5 through March 15, 2007. The reported smoking rates ranged from 13% to 57%; such a wide range could be partially explained by geographical and sociocultural variations in China, the year when the study was taking place or the specialty of the physicians. The rates, shown during this survey, are lower than those conducted among physicians in the Netherlands (38%), Japan (34%), and France (32%), but higher than those reported for the USA (3%), New Zealand (5%) and the United Kingdom (7%). It was found that smoking is more prevalent among male than female physicians.

The study showed that physicians who smoke are less likely to believe that health professionals should serve as nonsmoker role models for their patients and the public. It was suggested that interventions aimed at reducing cigarette smoking among physicians would lower the overall smoking rate.

It was found that Chinese physicians lack sufficient knowledge about the health hazards of smoking. They need more education about the link between maternal smoking and neonatal death. In addition, physicians, especially those who smoke, need more education about the links between secondhand smoke and risk of lung disease, heart disease, and lower respiratory tract disease. Incorporating and adapting best practices for counseling patients about cessation into the medical school curriculum may increase knowledge and prevent smoking in young medical students.

The finding that working in a hospital with smoke-free policies was negatively associated with cessation counseling was counterintuitive. In follow-up interviews with key hospital personnel and physicians, it was learned that hospitals with smoke-free policies often did not enforce them. In addition, many physicians in this follow-up did not know whether their hospital was smoke-free. As a result, it was suggested that smoke-free policies need to be better communicated and enforced.

Also it was observed that younger physicians were more likely to follow good cessation counseling practices. Counseling practices may, therefore, improve with time. Continuing education on smoking cessation should be offered to all age groups of physicians, and clinical staff should routinely assess and record the smoking status of every patient in the hospital’s medical record systems as a vital sign.

Asking about smoking (71%) was less common than advising to quit smoking (78%) among the physicians. Although it is consistent with another study among the physicians in China, it is in contrast with studies among the US and Hong Kong physicians. US physicians ask about smoking status during two thirds of all visits, but only advise about 20% of smokers to quit. Similarly, 77% of the Hong Kong physicians usually ask about smoking and only 29% advise smokers to quit. The higher rate of advising to quit than asking about smoking in the current study may be due to the fact that patients raise the issue themselves because of increased awareness. As many physicians smoke they are reluctant to proactively ask about smoking status of the patients. Also, it is possible that physicians who did advise smokers to quit wished to encourage patients to buy cessation medications. Cessation medications are not subsidized by the health care system; smokers have to buy these medications with their own money. In many cases, physicians get incentives from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing branded medications which might have encouraged physicians to advise their patients to quit and, probably, to suggest buying certain cessation products. In contrast, asking and recording smoking status is not mandatory in the Chinese health care system and there is no incentive for doing so.

Reading any guidelines about counseling patients to quit smoking was positively associated with recording smoking status and advising smokers to quit. However, most guidelines were available in English, but most Chinese physicians cannot read English. A brief Chinese language guideline was developed in 2007 (written communication, Dr Jiang Yuan, Director of the National Tobacco Control Office, China CDC, Beijing, China, June 2008), after this study was completed, and is not yet available to all physicians. In a follow-up investigation, it was found out that most physicians were not aware of this brief Chinese guideline. However, many had heard about the international guidelines, mostly US and UK guidelines, and a few had briefly investigated these international guidelines through the Internet, but did not understand the details of the recommendations because of the language barriers. Hopefully, the developing a national guideline in Chinese and promoting it to the physicians would be useful.
Some limitations of this study should be noted. First, the response rate of 85% may have been higher if a second survey would have been delivered. Second, because the survey was anonymous, no information on the characteristics of nonresponding physicians is available, and respondents may have differed from nonrespondents, which may limit the generalizability of the study findings. Finally, respondents may have underreported behaviors viewed as deviant or socially undesirable.

Overall, the findings stress the need to enforce smoke-free hospital policies, to develop a national guideline in Chinese and promote it to the physicians, to increase interventions that will help physicians to quit smoking.

source: http://www.cdc.gov/PCD/issues/2010/jan/09_0006.htm

CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD

2010-03-16T14:11:44Z

Valerias:

Do you know that China has the highest amount of smokers, than any other country – 360 000 000 people, which comprises about 27% of the whole population. The experts from Chinese National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) have discovered that the majority of Chinese doctors are nicotine addicted as well, it is about 23% of all Chinese physicians. This figure is much higher than, for example, in USA where there are only 3,3% of smoking doctors or in Great Britain (just 6,8%). Even in Japan with its quite high consumption of tobacco, the percentage of smoking doctors is less – 20,2%.

Health Care authorities are concerned in developing anti-tobacco campaign , aimed at doctors and students from academic medical institutions. Psychologists confirm that the special status of a physician, may have a significant impact on the patient. Having such a negative situation in this field, one cannot expect any positive results in reducing the amount of smokers in the country.

CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD

2010-03-16T14:09:15Z

Valerias:

Do you know that China has the highest amount of smokers, than any other country – 360 000 000 people, which comprises about 27% of the whole population. The experts from National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) have discovered that the majority of Chinese doctors are nicotine addicted as well, it is about 23% of all Chinese physicians. This figure is much higher than, for example, in USA where there are only 3,3% of smoking doctors or in Great Britain (just 6,8%). Even in Japan with its quite high consumption of tobacco, the percentage of smoking doctors is less – 20,2%.

Health Care authorities are concerned in developing anti-tobacco campaign , aimed at doctors and students from academic medical institutions. Psychologists confirm that the special status of a physician, may have a significant impact on the patient. Having such a negative situation in this field, one cannot expect any positive results in reducing the amount of smokers in the country.

CHINESE DOCTORS ARE THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS FROM ALL DOCTORS IN THE WORLD

2010-03-16T12:57:51Z

Valerias:

Do you know that China has the highest amount of smokers, than any other country – 360 000 people, which comprises about 31% of the whole population. The experts from National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) have discovered that the majority of Chinese doctors are nicotine addicted as well, it is about 23% of all Chinese physicians. This figure is much higher than, for example, in USA where there are only 3,3% of smoking doctors or in Great Britain (just 6,8%). Even in Japan with its quite high consumption of tobacco, the percentage of smoking doctors is less – 20,2%.

Health Care authorities are concerned in developing anti-tobacco campaign , aimed at doctors and students from academic medical institutions. Psychologists confirm that the special status of a physician, may have a significant impact on the patient. Having such a negative situation in this field, one cannot expect any positive results in reducing the amount of smokers in the country.

Articles

2010-03-16T12:56:17Z

Valerias:

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING

2010-03-02T17:13:58Z

Valerias:

There are plenty of methods which help people to quit smoking. Everyone, who has already experienced that, have chosen the one suitable for him. Below you will find a new, quite extraordinary theory of quitting. Although this can be your way to win the addiction.

'''Quit smoking exactly at the moment you decided to quit. Not earlier, not later.'''

If you used to have, for example, forty cigarettes a day, be ready to struggle with forty strong urges to smoke every day. In case you don't feel it, you are just keeping down your real desires. Don't do that! For sure you will have the necessity to smoke 40 times a day. If you carry on pretending that it is not true, finally you won't be able to handle the situation. You will light up a cigarette at the moment of temptation.

Therefore don't conceal the real situation from yourself, but remember and think of it constantly. In such a way it will be easier to overcome the addiction.
You should remember that you always have the possibility to choose. Every time when you have a desire to take a deep drag on a cigarette, just confess: “I do want to smoke”. Don't try to cheat yourself, but better go to the forest and scream at the top of your voice: “I want to smoke”. Afterwards say to yourself: “But now I prefer not to smoke.” It is always up to you – to smoke or not to smoke. And in every concrete moment your choice will be not to smoke. The most important thing is to make the right choice all 40 times a day. With time, the desire to smoke will come rarer and finally, it will disappear completely.

As you used to do before, have your cigarettes and lighter with you, as it will encourage you to be sure that you really have choice and you are responsible for it. Remember that nobody can take cigarettes away from you, depriving you of the possibility to choose. When a person is missing something he is eager to have or when he is deprived of that something, he becomes bitter and even pissed off. You are not an exception. It will be difficult for you to escape this feeling while quitting as well. So, when it happens, you just say to yourself: “I have my cigarettes and lighter with me, nobody can tell me not to smoke. I can smoke whenever I want, but now I prefer NOT to.
You should live for the moment, without trying to predict what will happen in 5 minutes. Refuse to have a cigarette at every concrete moment, but not for the whole life.
Every time you decide not to smoke, think about the benefits of being a non-smoker. Just remember how much you put at hazard your health, smoking cigarettes.

Never try to substitute smoking with anything else. Otherwise it will be the same suppression of desires, which is not helpful in this case. You don't have to eat more and oftener, to chew constantly the gum or suck lollipops to quit smoking. You shouldn't sleep more than usual or abuse alcohol drinks. Do not gnaw your nails or nibble sunflower seeds or invent any other things to distract yourself from the desire to smoke. If you do something which is not in your character, just confess: “I really don't need it. The only thing I need is to smoke.” Even if you start to feel the desire to smoke again, you know how to behave. This time you choose not to smoke. And it is not necessary to become a sportsman or a fan of healthy lifestyle just because you decided to quit smoking, Don't go too far, if it doesn't agree with you. Your aim for today is to quit smoking, the rest can be postponed by tomorrow.

Don't try to escape meeting your smoking friends or the situations, where you are tempted to smoke. If, for example, you associate a cup of strong coffee with smoking, it doesn't mean that you should stop drinking coffee. Try to enjoy it, in spite of your incredibly strong desire to smoke, because you know what to choose.

'''Remember the most important thing:''' one drag and all is lost! Smoking is addiction, which can be revived even after the 5 years of withdrawal with smoking just one cigarette. Don't forget it as well as the fact that you are the person who is supposed to choose.

So now, if anybody offers you the best cigarettes in the world, your answer will be: “Thank you so much, but I don't smoke”.

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING

2010-03-02T17:12:48Z

Valerias:

There are plenty of methods which help people to quit smoking. Everyone, who has already experienced that, have chosen the one suitable for him. Below you will find a new, quite extraordinary theory of quitting. Although this can be your way to win the addiction.

Quit smoking exactly at the moment you decided to quit. Not earlier, not later.

If you used to have, for example, forty cigarettes a day, be ready to struggle with forty strong urges to smoke every day. In case you don't feel it, you are just keeping down your real desires. Don't do that! For sure you will have the necessity to smoke 40 times a day. If you carry on pretending that it is not true, finally you won't be able to handle the situation. You will light up a cigarette at the moment of temptation.

Therefore don't conceal the real situation from yourself, but remember and think of it constantly. In such a way it will be easier to overcome the addiction.
You should remember that you always have the possibility to choose. Every time when you have a desire to take a deep drag on a cigarette, just confess: “I do want to smoke”. Don't try to cheat yourself, but better go to the forest and scream at the top of your voice: “I want to smoke”. Afterwards say to yourself: “But now I prefer not to smoke.” It is always up to you – to smoke or not to smoke. And in every concrete moment your choice will be not to smoke. The most important thing is to make the right choice all 40 times a day. With time, the desire to smoke will come rarer and finally, it will disappear completely.

As you used to do before, have your cigarettes and lighter with you, as it will encourage you to be sure that you really have choice and you are responsible for it. Remember that nobody can take cigarettes away from you, depriving you of the possibility to choose. When a person is missing something he is eager to have or when he is deprived of that something, he becomes bitter and even pissed off. You are not an exception. It will be difficult for you to escape this feeling while quitting as well. So, when it happens, you just say to yourself: “I have my cigarettes and lighter with me, nobody can tell me not to smoke. I can smoke whenever I want, but now I prefer NOT to.
You should live for the moment, without trying to predict what will happen in 5 minutes. Refuse to have a cigarette at every concrete moment, but not for the whole life.
Every time you decide not to smoke, think about the benefits of being a non-smoker. Just remember how much you put at hazard your health, smoking cigarettes.

Never try to substitute smoking with anything else. Otherwise it will be the same suppression of desires, which is not helpful in this case. You don't have to eat more and oftener, to chew constantly the gum or suck lollipops to quit smoking. You shouldn't sleep more than usual or abuse alcohol drinks. Do not gnaw your nails or nibble sunflower seeds or invent any other things to distract yourself from the desire to smoke. If you do something which is not in your character, just confess: “I really don't need it. The only thing I need is to smoke.” Even if you start to feel the desire to smoke again, you know how to behave. This time you choose not to smoke. And it is not necessary to become a sportsman or a fan of healthy lifestyle just because you decided to quit smoking, Don't go too far, if it doesn't agree with you. Your aim for today is to quit smoking, the rest can be postponed by tomorrow.

Don't try to escape meeting your smoking friends or the situations, where you are tempted to smoke. If, for example, you associate a cup of strong coffee with smoking, it doesn't mean that you should stop drinking coffee. Try to enjoy it, in spite of your incredibly strong desire to smoke, because you know what to choose.

'''Remember the most important thing:''' one drag and all is lost! Smoking is addiction, which can be revived even after the 5 years of withdrawal with smoking just one cigarette. Don't forget it as well as the fact that you are the person who is supposed to choose.

So now, if anybody offers you the best cigarettes in the world, your answer will be: “Thank you so much, but I don't smoke”.

Articles

2010-03-02T17:06:56Z

Valerias:

SORTS OF TOBACCO

2010-02-17T12:16:18Z

Valerias:

Tobacco has been part of the American culture since its beginning.
There are about 60 species of tobacco and more than 1000 sorts of “tobacco” genus plants. However, only two Nicotiana species are being cultivated – Nicotiana tabacum (used in cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturing) and Nicotiana rustica (intended for hookah use and cigarette tobacco of poor quality, such as shag.)
There are a few major tobacco sorts which used in the production of various tobacco blends. The most widespread is “Virginia”, that accounts for about 2/3 of the world tobacco production. It is light, flue-cured tobacco, used almost entirely in cigarette and pipe blends. Burley is also referred to the light types of tobacco, but unlike Virginia it is air-cured. Burley and Virginia were first cultivated in the USA, and now are being spread worldwide. Burley is valued by the pipe smoking lovers and in the pipe tobacco blends because it perfectly absorbs different flavours and never tastes bitter.

'''Pipe Tobacco.'''

Pipe tobacco can be divided into two main categories. The first one includes English and Scottish Cavendish which ripens while pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick and exudes naturally formed sugar. The second category contains American tobacco types with various flavoured additives.

'''Kentucky.'''

This flue-cured tobacco can be found in USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Italy, Poland and Indonesia. It has dark-brown, close to black colour and strong rich taste. Kentucky tobacco differs from Burley by the higher nicotine content, which makes it quite strong. Additing Kentucky tobacco to the blends provides extra strength and particular flavour.

'''Burley.'''

[[Image:Burley_tobacco.jpg|right|Burley tobacco]]

Burley is relatively young tobacco with smooth, a little bit chocolate taste, and therefore it is often used in flavouring blends. Burley is grown in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be distinguished as low sugar and high nicotine concentration tobacco, which smoulders slowly.

'''Cavendish.'''

Dutch Cavendish is a blend of different tobacco leaves, such as Burley, Virginia and Maryland. Cavendish is more a process of curing and a method of cutting tobacco than a type of it. The processing and the cut are used to bring out the natural sweet taste in the tobacco.
The process begins by pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick. Heat from fire or steam is applied, and the tobacco is allowed to ferment. This is said to result in a sweet and mild tobacco. Finally the cake is sliced. These slices must be broken apart, as by rubbing in a circular motion between one's palms, before the tobacco can be evenly packed into a pipe. Flavouring is often added before the leaves are pressed. English Cavendish uses a dark flue or fire-cured Virginia, which is steamed and then stored under pressure to permit it to cure and ferment for several days or weeks.

'''Black Cavendish.'''

Black Cavendish is similar to Burley tobacco from Tennessee and Kentucky, but strongly cured. It can be also some sorts of dark, air-cured tobaccos from Central Virginia. Such tobaccos often contain different flavourings and herbs.

'''Virginia.'''

Virginia occupies the first place among all tobaccos, which are produced in the world, taking 70% of the whole production. The name “Virginia” was originated from the name of former British column “Virginia”, which was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was called in honor of the Queen of England – Elizabeth I. Nowadays, this sort of tobacco is cultivated not only in Virginia state, but also in other parts of USA, Asia, Africa, Northern America and Europe. Virginia tobacco can be distinguished by the high percentage of sugar concent and very often is used as a basis of different blends, although it can be perfectly smoked in its pure form. Virginia tobacco has particular sweetish flavour, which leaves pleasant taste in your mouth.

'''Latakia.'''

Latakia tobacco is originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now Latakia is cultivated mainly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This sort is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smokey-peppery taste and makes it quite expensive. The taste is not so strong as it seems to be due to the strength of aroma, which often makes smokers take aroma for tobacco strength.

'''Perique'''

Perique is produced in St. James Parrish in South Louisiana. Curing consists of a period of moisture loss in the open, followed by 8-10 months of high pressure treatment in barrels with prune juice, spices and fruit squash. The final product has deep black colour with a characteristic odor almost like perfume, which is added to a few specialized pipe mixtures. Before Perique was used as a raw material for snuff tobacco, but now very small quantities of Perique serve the purpose of tincturing the unique particular flavour to the blends. Perique is a rare and expensive tobacco sort.

'''Turkish tobaccos.'''

Despite of their name, these tobaccos are mainly cultivated in Greece. Having a very pleasant flavour, they are rarely used in pipe tobaccos due to different reasons, and are only used in the exotic blends.

'''Oriental'''

Oriental tobacco is grown in Syria, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, in the South of Russia, partially in Italy, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Israel and is 16% of the total tobacco production.
Oriental tobacco gives a mild smoke with very characteristic aroma. Resins, waxes and gum exuded by glandular hairs (trichomes) furnish the aroma. Nicotine is low, averaging around 1.0%.
Oriental leaf is characterized by its small size; leaf length is 3-10 inches and is 2-3 times the width. Average plant height is 3-5 ft. The leaves are hand primed, normally sewn on a string, and are dull yellow to rich brown. The leaves are sun-cured.

SORTS OF TOBACCO

2010-02-17T11:41:05Z

Valerias:

Tobacco has been part of the American culture since its beginning.
There are about 60 species of tobacco and more than 1000 sorts of “tobacco” genus plants. However, the only two Nicotiana species are cultivated – Nicotiana tabacum (used in cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturing) and Nicotiana rustica ( is intended for hookah use and cigarette tobacco of poor quality, such as shag.)
There are just few major tobacco sorts which serve to be the basis in the production of various tobacco blends. The most widespread is “Virginia”, taking about 2/3 of the world tobacco production. This is light, flue-cured tobacco, which is used almost entirely in cigarette and pipe blends. Burley is also referred to the light types of tobacco, but unlike Virginia it is air-cured. Burley and Virginia were first cultivated in USA, but now are spread all over the world. Burley is valued by the pipe smoking lovers and in the pipe tobacco blends because it perfectly absorbs different flavours and never has a bitter taste.

'''Pipe Tobacco.'''

Pipe tobacco can be divided into two main categories. The first one includes English and Scottish cavendish which ripens while pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick and letting them to ferment. The second category contains American tobacco types with various flavoured additives being applied.

'''Kentucky.'''

This flue-cured tobacco can be found in USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Italy, Poland and Indonesia. It has dark-brown, close to black colour and strong rich taste. Kentucky tobacco differs from Burley by higher nicotine content, which makes it quite strong. Additing Kentucky tobacco to the blends provides extra strength and particular flavour.

'''Burley.'''

[[Image:Burley_tobacco.jpg|right|Burley tobacco]]

Burley is relatively young tobacco with smooth, a little bit chocolate taste, therefore it is often used in flavouring blends. Burley is grown in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be distinguished as low sugar and high nicotine concentration tobacco, which smoulders slowly.

'''Cavendish.'''

Dutch Cavendish is a blend of different tobacco leaves, such as Burley, Virginia and Maryland. Cavendish is more a process of curing and a method of cutting tobacco than a type of it. The processing and the cut are used to bring out the natural sweet taste in the tobacco.
The process begins by pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick. Heat from fire or steam is applied, and the tobacco is allowed to ferment. This is said to result in a sweet and mild tobacco. Finally the cake is sliced. These slices must be broken apart, as by rubbing in a circular motion between one's palms, before the tobacco can be evenly packed into a pipe. Flavouring is often added before the leaves are pressed. English Cavendish uses a dark flue or fire-cured Virginia, which is steamed and then stored under pressure to permit it to cure and ferment for several days or weeks.

'''Black Cavendish.'''

Black Cavendish is similar to Burley tobacco from Tennessee and Kentucky, but strongly cured. It can be also some sorts of dark, air-cured tobaccos from Central Virginia. Such tobaccos often contain different flavourings and herbs.

'''Virginia.'''

Virginia occupies the first place among all tobaccos, which are produced in the world, taking 70% of the whole production. The name “Virginia” was originated from the name of former British column “Virginia”, which was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was called in honor of the Queen of England – Elizabeth I. Nowadays, this sort of tobacco is cultivated not only in Virginia state, but also in other parts of USA, Asia, Africa, Northern America and Europe. Virginia tobacco can be distinguished by the high percentage of sugar concent and very often is used as a basis of different blends, although it can be perfectly smoked in its pure form. Virginia tobacco has particular sweetish flavour, which leaves pleasant taste in your mouth.

'''Latakia.'''

Latakia tobacco is originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now Latakia is cultivated mainly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This sort is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smokey-peppery taste and makes it quite expensive. The taste is not so strong as it seems to be due to the strength of aroma, which often makes smokers take aroma for tobacco strength.

'''Perique'''

Perique is produced in St. James Parrish in South Louisiana. Curing consists of a period of moisture loss in the open, followed by 8-10 months of high pressure treatment in barrels with prune juice, spices and fruit squash. The final product has deep black colour with a characteristic odor almost like perfume, which is added to a few specialized pipe mixtures. Before Perique was used as a raw material for snuff tobacco, but now very small quantities of Perique serve the purpose of tincturing the unique particular flavour to the blends. Perique is a rare and expensive tobacco sort.

'''Turkish tobaccos.'''

Despite of their name, these tobaccos are mainly cultivated in Greece. They have a very pleasant flavour, but due to the different reasons are rarely used in pipe tobaccos, only in the exotic blends.

'''Oriental'''

Oriental tobacco is grown in Syria, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, in the South of Russia, partially in Italy, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Israel and takes 16% of the total production.
Oriental tobacco gives a mild smoke with very characteristic aroma. Resins, waxes and gum exuded by glandular hairs (trichomes) furnish the aroma. Nicotine is low, averaging around 1.0%.
Oriental leaf is characterized by its small size, leaf length is 3-10 inches and is 2-3 times the width. Average plant height is 3-5 ft. The leaves are hand primed, normally sewn on a string, and are dull yellow to rich brown in colour. The leaves are sun-cured.

SORTS OF TOBACCO

2010-02-17T10:51:02Z

Valerias:

Tobacco has been part of the American culture since its beginning.
There are about 60 species of tobacco and more than 1000 sorts of “tobacco” genus plants. However, the only two Nicotiana species are cultivated – Nicotiana tabacum (used in cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturing) and Nicotiana rustica ( is intended for hookah use and cigarette tobacco of poor quality, such as shag.)
There are just few major tobacco sorts which serve to be the basis in the production of various tobacco blends. The most widespread is “Virginia”, taking about 2/3 of the world tobacco production. This is light, flue-cured tobacco, which is used almost entirely in cigarette and pipe blends. Burley is also referred to the light types of tobacco, but unlike Virginia it is air-cured. Burley and Virginia were first cultivated in USA, but now are spread all over the world. Burley is valued by the pipe smoking lovers and in the pipe tobacco blends because it perfectly absorbs different flavours and never has a bitter taste.

'''Pipe Tobacco.'''

Pipe tobacco can be divided into two main categories. The first one includes English and Scottish cavendish which ripens while pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick and letting them to ferment. The second category contains American tobacco types with various flavoured additives being applied.

'''Kentucky.'''

This flue-cured tobacco can be found in USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Italy, Poland and Indonesia. It has dark-brown, close to black colour and strong rich taste. Kentucky tobacco differs from Burley by higher nicotine content, which makes it quite strong. Additing Kentucky tobacco to the blends provides extra strength and particular flavour.

'''Burley.'''

[[Image:Burley_tobacco.jpg|right|Burley tobacco]]

Burley is relatively young tobacco with smooth, a little bit chocolate taste, therefore it is often used in flavouring blends. Burley is grown in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be distinguished as low sugar and high nicotine concentration tobacco, which smoulders slowly.

'''Cavendish.'''

Dutch Cavendish is a blend of different tobacco leaves, such as Burley, Virginia and Maryland. Cavendish is more a process of curing and a method of cutting tobacco than a type of it. The processing and the cut are used to bring out the natural sweet taste in the tobacco.
The process begins by pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick. Heat from fire or steam is applied, and the tobacco is allowed to ferment. This is said to result in a sweet and mild tobacco. Finally the cake is sliced. These slices must be broken apart, as by rubbing in a circular motion between one's palms, before the tobacco can be evenly packed into a pipe. Flavouring is often added before the leaves are pressed. English Cavendish uses a dark flue or fire-cured Virginia, which is steamed and then stored under pressure to permit it to cure and ferment for several days or weeks.

'''Black Cavendish.'''

Black Cavendish is similar to Burley tobacco from Tennessee and Kentucky, but strongly cured. It can be also some sorts of dark, air-cured tobaccos from Central Virginia. Such tobaccos often contain different flavourings and herbs.

'''Virginia.'''

Virginia occupies the first place among all tobaccos, which are produced in the world, taking 70% of the whole production. The name “Virginia” was originated from the name of former British column “Virginia”, which was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was called in honor of the Queen of England – Elizabeth I. Nowadays, this sort of tobacco is cultivated not only in Virginia state, but also in other parts of USA, Asia, Africa, Northern America and Europe. Virginia tobacco can be distinguished by the high percentage of sugar concent and very often is used as a basis of different blends, although it can be perfectly smoked in its pure form. Virginia tobacco has particular sweetish flavour, which leaves pleasant taste in your mouth.

'''Latakia.'''

Latakia tobacco is originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now Latakia is cultivated mainly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This sort is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smokey-peppery taste and makes it quite expensive. The taste is not so strong as it seems to be due to the strength of aroma, which often makes smokers take aroma for tobacco strength.

'''Perique'''

Perique is produced in St. James Parrish in South Louisiana. Curing consists of a period of moisture loss in the open, followed by 8-10 months of high pressure treatment in barrels with prune juice, spices and fruit squash. The final product has deep black colour with a characteristic odor almost like perfume, which is added to a few specialized pipe mixtures. Before Perique was used as a raw material for snuff tobacco, but now very small quantities of Perique serve the purpose of tincturing the unique particular flavour to the blends. Perique is a rare and expensive tobacco sort.

'''Turkish tobaccos.'''

Despite of their name, these tobaccos are mainly cultivated in Greece. They possess a very pleasant flavour, but due to the different reasons are rarely used in pipe tobaccos, but only in the exotic blends.

'''Oriental'''

Oriental tobacco is grown in Syria, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, in the South of Russia, partially in Italy, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Israel and takes 16% of the total production.
Oriental tobacco gives a mild smoke with very characteristic aroma. Resins, waxes and gum exuded by glandular hairs (trichomes) furnish the aroma. Nicotine is low, averaging around 1.0%.
Oriental leaf is characterized by its small size, leaf length is 3-10 inches and is 2-3 times the width. Average plant height is 3-5 ft. The leaves are hand primed, normally sewn on a string, and are dull yellow to rich brown in colour. The leaves are sun-cured.

SORTS OF TOBACCO

2010-02-17T10:16:27Z

Valerias:

Tobacco has been part of American culture since its beginning.
There are about 60 sorts of tobacco and more than 1000 species of “tobacco” genus plants. However, the only two Nicotiana species are under cultivation – Nicotiana tabacum (used in cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturing) and Nicotiana rustica ( is intended for hookah use and cigarette tobacco of poor quality, such as shag.)
There are just few major tobacco sorts which serve to be the basis in the production of various tobacco blends. The most widespread is “Virginia”, taking about 2/3 of the world tobacco production. This is light, flue-cured tobacco, which is used almost entirely in cigarette and pipe blends. Burley is also referred to the light types of tobacco, but unlike Virginia it is air-cured. Burley and Virginia were first cultivated in USA, but now are spread all over the world. Burley is valued by the pipe smoking lovers and in the pipe tobacco blends because it perfectly absorbs different flavours and never has a bitter taste.

'''Pipe Tobacco.'''

Pipe tobacco can be divided into two main categories. The first one includes English and Scottish cavendish which ripens while pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick and letting them to ferment. The second category contains American tobacco types with various flavoured additives being applied.

'''Kentucky.'''

This flue-cured tobacco can be found in USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Italy, Poland and Indonesia. It has dark-brown, close to black colour and strong rich taste. Kentucky tobacco differs from Burley by higher nicotine content, which makes it quite strong. Additing Kentucky tobacco to the blends provides extra strength and particular flavour.

'''Burley.'''

[[Image:Burley_tobacco.jpg|right|Burley tobacco]]

Burley is relatively young tobacco with smooth, a little bit chocolate taste, therefore it is often used in flavouring blends. Burley is grown in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be distinguished as low sugar and high nicotine concentration tobacco, which smoulders slowly.

'''Cavendish.'''

Dutch Cavendish is a blend of different tobacco leaves, such as Burley, Virginia and Maryland. Cavendish is more a process of curing and a method of cutting tobacco than a type of it. The processing and the cut are used to bring out the natural sweet taste in the tobacco.
The process begins by pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick. Heat from fire or steam is applied, and the tobacco is allowed to ferment. This is said to result in a sweet and mild tobacco. Finally the cake is sliced. These slices must be broken apart, as by rubbing in a circular motion between one's palms, before the tobacco can be evenly packed into a pipe. Flavouring is often added before the leaves are pressed. English Cavendish uses a dark flue or fire-cured Virginia, which is steamed and then stored under pressure to permit it to cure and ferment for several days or weeks.

'''Black Cavendish.'''

Black Cavendish is similar to Burley tobacco from Tennessee and Kentucky, but strongly cured. It can be also some sorts of dark, air-cured tobaccos from Central Virginia. Such tobaccos often contain different flavourings and herbs.

'''Virginia.'''

Virginia occupies the first place among all tobaccos, which are produced in the world, taking 70% of the whole production. The name “Virginia” was originated from the name of former British column “Virginia”, which was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was called in honor of the Queen of England – Elizabeth I. Nowadays, this sort of tobacco is cultivated not only in Virginia state, but also in other parts of USA, Asia, Africa, Northern America and Europe. Virginia tobacco can be distinguished by the high percentage of sugar concent and very often is used as a basis of different blends, although it can be perfectly smoked in its pure form. Virginia tobacco has particular sweetish flavour, which leaves pleasant taste in your mouth.

'''Latakia.'''

Latakia tobacco is originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now Latakia is cultivated mainly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This sort is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smokey-peppery taste and makes it quite expensive. The taste is not so strong as it seems to be due to the strength of aroma, which often makes smokers take aroma for tobacco strength.

'''Perique'''

Perique is produced in St. James Parrish in South Louisiana. Curing consists of a period of moisture loss in the open, followed by 8-10 months of high pressure treatment in barrels with prune juice, spices and fruit squash. The final product has deep black colour with a characteristic odor almost like perfume, which is added to a few specialized pipe mixtures. Before Perique was used as a raw material for snuff tobacco, but now very small quantities of Perique serve the purpose of tincturing the unique particular flavour to the blends. Perique is a rare and expensive tobacco sort.

'''Turkish tobaccos.'''

Despite of their name, these tobaccos are mainly cultivated in Greece. They possess a very pleasant flavour, but due to the different reasons are rarely used in pipe tobaccos, but only in the exotic blends.

'''Oriental'''

Oriental tobacco is grown in Syria, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, in the South of Russia, partially in Italy, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Israel and takes 16% of the total production.
Oriental tobacco gives a mild smoke with very characteristic aroma. Resins, waxes and gum exuded by glandular hairs (trichomes) furnish the aroma. Nicotine is low, averaging around 1.0%.
Oriental leaf is characterized by its small size, leaf length is 3-10 inches and is 2-3 times the width. Average plant height is 3-5 ft. The leaves are hand primed, normally sewn on a string, and are dull yellow to rich brown in colour. The leaves are sun-cured.

SORTS OF TOBACCO

2010-02-17T10:02:42Z

Valerias:

Tobacco has been part of American culture since its beginning.
There are about 60 sorts of tobacco and more than 1000 species of “tobacco” genus plants. However, the only two Nicotiana species are under cultivation – Nicotiana tabacum (used in cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturing) and Nicotiana rustica ( is intended for hookah use and cigarette tobacco of poor quality, such as shag.)
There are just few major tobacco sorts which serve to be the basis in the production of various tobacco blends. The most widespread is “Virginia”, taking about 2/3 of the world tobacco production. This is light, flue cured tobacco, which is used almost entirely in cigarette and pipe blends. Burley is also referred to the light types of tobacco, but unlike Virginia it is air cured. Burley and Virginia were first cultivated in USA, but now are spread all over the world. Burley is valued by the pipe smoking lovers and in the pipe tobacco blends because it perfectly absorbs different flavours and never has a bitter taste.

'''Pipe Tobacco.'''

Pipe tobacco can be divided into two main categories. The first one includes English and Scottish cavendish which ripens while pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick and letting them to ferment. The second category contains American tobacco types with various flavoured additives being applied.

'''Kentucky.'''

This flue cured tobacco can be found in USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Italy, Poland and Indonesia. It has dark-brown, close to black colour and strong rich taste. Kentucky tobacco differs from Burley by higher nicotine content, which makes it quite strong. Additing Kentucky tobacco to the blends provides extra strength and particular flavour.

'''Burley.'''

[[Image:Burley_tobacco.jpg|right|Burley tobacco]]

Burley is relatively young tobacco with a smooth, a little bit chocolate taste, therefore it is often used in flavouring blends. Burley is grown in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be distinguished as tobacco with low sugar and high nicotine concentration, which smoulders slowly.

'''Cavendish.'''

Dutch Cavendish is a blend of different tobacco leaves, such as Burley, Virginia and Maryland. Cavendish is more a process of curing and a method of cutting tobacco than a type of it. The processing and the cut are used to bring out the natural sweet taste in the tobacco.
The process begins by pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick. Heat from fire or steam is applied, and the tobacco is allowed to ferment. This is said to result in a sweet and mild tobacco. Finally the cake is sliced. These slices must be broken apart, as by rubbing in a circular motion between one's palms, before the tobacco can be evenly packed into a pipe. Flavouring is often added before the leaves are pressed. English Cavendish uses a dark flue or fire cured Virginia, which is steamed and then stored under pressure to permit it to cure and ferment for several days or weeks.

'''Black Cavendish.'''

Black Cavendish is similar to Burley tobacco from Tennessee and Kentucky, but strongly cured. It can be also some sorts of dark, air-cured tobaccos from Central Virginia. Such tobaccos often contain different flavourings and herbs.

'''Virginia.'''

Virginia occupies the first place among all tobaccos, which are produced in the world, taking 70% of the whole production. The name “Virginia” was originated from the name of former British column “Virginia”, which was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was called in honor of the Queen of England – Elizabeth I. Nowadays, this sort of tobacco is cultivated not only in Virginia state, but also in other parts of USA, Asia, Africa, Northern America and Europe. Virginia tobacco can be distinguished by the high percentage of sugar concent and very often is used as a basis of different blends, although it can be perfectly smoked in its pure form. Virginia tobacco has particular sweetish flavour, which leaves pleasant taste in your mouth.

'''Latakia.'''

Latakia tobacco is originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now Latakia is cultivated mainly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This sort is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smokey-peppery taste and makes it quite expensive. The taste is not so strong as it seems to be due to the strength of aroma, which often makes smokers take the aroma for tobacco strength.

'''Perique'''

Perique is produced in St. James Parrish in South Louisiana. Curing consists of a period of moisture loss in the open, followed by 8-10 months of high pressure treatment in barrels with prune juice, spices and fruit squash. The final product has deep black colour with a characteristic odor almost like perfume, which is added to a few specialized pipe mixtures. Before Perique was used as a raw material for snuff tobacco, but now very small quantities of Perique serve the purpose of tincturing the unique particular flavour to the blends. Perique is rare and expensive tobacco sort.

'''Turkish tobaccos.'''

Despite of their name, these tobaccos are mainly cultivated in Greece. They possess a very pleasant flavour, but due to the different reasons are rarely used in pipe tobaccos, but only in the exotic blends.

'''Oriental'''

Oriental tobacco is grown in Syria, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, in the South of Russia, partially in Italy, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Israel and takes 16% of the total production.
Oriental tobacco gives a mild smoke with very characteristic aroma. Resins, waxes and gum exuded by glandular hairs (trichomes) furnish the aroma. Nicotine is low, averaging around 1.0%.
Oriental leaf is characterized by its small size, leaf length is 3-10 inches and is 2-3 times the width. Average plant height is 3-5 ft. The leaves are hand primed, normally sewn on a string, and are dull yellow to rich brown in colour. The leaves are sun-cured.

SORTS OF TOBACCO

2010-02-17T10:01:06Z

Valerias:

Tobacco has been part of American culture since its beginning.
There are about 60 sorts of tobacco and more than 1000 species of “tobacco” genus plants. However, the only two Nicotiana species are under cultivation – Nicotiana tabacum (used in cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturing) and Nicotiana rustica ( is intended for hookah use and cigarette tobacco of poor quality, such as shag.)
There are just few major tobacco sorts which serve to be the basis in the production of various tobacco blends. The most widespread is “Virginia”, taking about 2/3 of the world tobacco production. This is light, flue cured tobacco, which is used almost entirely in cigarette and pipe blends. Burley is also referred to the light types of tobacco, but unlike Virginia it is air cured. Burley and Virginia were first cultivated in USA, but now are spread all over the world. Burley is valued by the pipe smoking lovers and in the pipe tobacco blends because it perfectly absorbs different flavours and never has a bitter taste.

'''Pipe Tobacco.'''

Pipe tobacco can be divided into two main categories. The first one includes English and Scottish cavendish which ripens while pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick and letting them to ferment. The second category contains American tobacco types, with various flavoured additives being applied.

'''Kentucky.'''

This flue cured tobacco can be found in USA, Malawi, Tanzania, Italy, Poland and Indonesia. It has dark-brown, close to black colour and strong rich taste. Kentucky tobacco differs from Burley by higher nicotine content, which makes it quite strong. Additing Kentucky tobacco to the blends provides extra strength and particular flavour.

'''Burley.'''

[[Image:Burley_tobacco.jpg|right|Burley tobacco]]

Burley is relatively young tobacco with a smooth, a little bit chocolate taste, therefore it is often used in flavouring blends. Burley is grown in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. It can be distinguished as tobacco with low sugar and high nicotine concentration, which smoulders slowly.

'''Cavendish.'''

Dutch Cavendish is a blend of different tobacco leaves, such as Burley, Virginia and Maryland. Cavendish is more a process of curing and a method of cutting tobacco than a type of it. The processing and the cut are used to bring out the natural sweet taste in the tobacco.
The process begins by pressing the tobacco leaves into a cake about an inch thick. Heat from fire or steam is applied, and the tobacco is allowed to ferment. This is said to result in a sweet and mild tobacco. Finally the cake is sliced. These slices must be broken apart, as by rubbing in a circular motion between one's palms, before the tobacco can be evenly packed into a pipe. Flavouring is often added before the leaves are pressed. English Cavendish uses a dark flue or fire cured Virginia, which is steamed and then stored under pressure to permit it to cure and ferment for several days or weeks.

'''Black Cavendish.'''

Black Cavendish is similar to Burley tobacco from Tennessee and Kentucky, but strongly cured. It can be also some sorts of dark, air-cured tobaccos from Central Virginia. Such tobaccos often contain different flavourings and herbs.

'''Virginia.'''

Virginia occupies the first place among all tobaccos, which are produced in the world, taking 70% of the whole production. The name “Virginia” was originated from the name of former British column “Virginia”, which was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh and was called in honor of the Queen of England – Elizabeth I. Nowadays, this sort of tobacco is cultivated not only in Virginia state, but also in other parts of USA, Asia, Africa, Northern America and Europe. Virginia tobacco can be distinguished by the high percentage of sugar concent and very often is used as a basis of different blends, although it can be perfectly smoked in its pure form. Virginia tobacco has particular sweetish flavour, which leaves pleasant taste in your mouth.

'''Latakia.'''

Latakia tobacco is originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now Latakia is cultivated mainly in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This sort is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smokey-peppery taste and makes it quite expensive. The taste is not so strong as it seems to be due to the strength of aroma, which often makes smokers take the aroma for tobacco strength.

'''Perique'''

Perique is produced in St. James Parrish in South Louisiana. Curing consists of a period of moisture loss in the open, followed by 8-10 months of high pressure treatment in barrels with prune juice, spices and fruit squash. The final product has deep black colour with a characteristic odor almost like perfume, which is added to a few specialized pipe mixtures. Before Perique was used as a raw material for snuff tobacco, but now very small quantities of Perique serve the purpose of tincturing the unique particular flavour to the blends. Perique is rare and expensive tobacco sort.

'''Turkish tobaccos.'''

Despite of their name, these tobaccos are mainly cultivated in Greece. They possess a very pleasant flavour, but due to the different reasons are rarely used in pipe tobaccos, but only in the exotic blends.

'''Oriental'''

Oriental tobacco is grown in Syria, Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, in the South of Russia, partially in Italy, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Israel and takes 16% of the total production.
Oriental tobacco gives a mild smoke with very characteristic aroma. Resins, waxes and gum exuded by glandular hairs (trichomes) furnish the aroma. Nicotine is low, averaging around 1.0%.
Oriental leaf is characterized by its small size, leaf length is 3-10 inches and is 2-3 times the width. Average plant height is 3-5 ft. The leaves are hand primed, normally sewn on a string, and are dull yellow to rich brown in colour. The leaves are sun-cured.