A new estimate released by the CDC suggests all states may ban smoking in eateries, bars and at work by 2020. This is based on the current trend of states banning smoking. In 2011, 26 states had smoking bans in place compared to none in the year 2000. Adjusting for population density, this means nearly 1/2 of all US residents are effected either by state or local bans on indoor smoking. Many states even include the smokeless e-cig in their restictions.

There are an additional 10 states that ban smoking in 1 or 2, but not all, of the big three specifically restaurants, bars and the workplace. Many of these states have laws requiring areas designated for smoking and often require a separate ventilation system just for the smoking area. Currently, there are only 7 states that have no indoor smoking restrictions in place. They include Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, South Carolina, Mississippi and Texas.

The opinions on state wide indoor smoking bans are as polarized as issues like gun control and health care. The proponents of the issue note the negative effects of 2nd hand smoke along with their right to breathe clear air. The opponents say this is just another way government is stripping away their freedoms and liberty to pursue happiness.

Which ever side of the debate you're on, it's clear that reducing exposure to second hand smoke will decrease associated disease. But the problem lies in where the line is drawn. Do governments have the right to restrict your behavior? If the behavior negatively affects others, I think they do. On the other hand, isn't smoking considered an addiction or disease state which deserves the same accesses as other disabilities? However the issue resolves, it will behavior lay the groundwork for civil liberty precedents like we've never seen before.

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Electronic Cigarette Safety

How Safe Is The E-Cig

There is currently huge debate raging over the safety of the electronic cigarette. The FDA published a report claiming they found a toxic contaminant in the liquid (e-liquid) used by one of many electronic cigarette manufacturers. Their study set the stage for an unfounded demonization of the whole ecig industry. Thw FDA study has since been debunked by a reputable scientific analysis laboratory. Still, claims float around the internet daily about possible health hazards of the ecig with the keyword here being "Possible". After some research, here is the short story:

There are 2 components of the e-liquid inhaled when you use the smokeless cigarette. Propylene glycol and nicotine. (The dose of nicotine is dissolved in the of Propylene glycol.)

Propylene glycol is used in literally hundreds of medical and commercial applications to produce products for human use and consumption. There is no evidence of propylene glycol toxicity to humans at the levels you are exposed to using an electronic cigarette. On the contrary, there are actually studies showing the germicidal and virucidal capability of aerosolized propylene glycol . A study of particular interest showed that there are no adverse effects associated with long term inhalation of propylene glycol.

So at this point in time, the first component of the electronic cigarette appears to be safe for use at the level of exposure considered normal for the ecig user. In other words, if you use the ecig as directed, you should have no problems.

Now, let's talk about nicotine. Nicotine is the component of cigarettes responsible for their addictive properties. In the doses associated with cigarettes, nicotine produces a stimulating effect by increasing the bodies release of epinephrine (adrenaline). The problem with cigarettes is not the nicotine but the 3000+ toxic and carcinogenic components in cigarettes either added by the cigarette manufacturers of produced during the manufacturing process. Studies show that long term exposure to nicotine itself may produces adverse health effects but more study is required.

In conclusion, current evidence does not support the claims that the electronic cigarette is in itself dangerous. Rather, information shows that long term exposure to any form of nicotine may be a health concern. Even if nicotine does cause adverse health effects, would'nt eliminating the toxins in cigarettes be enough reason to consider e-cigarettes a viable alternative to tobacco cigarettes? If the FDA allows use of other NRT (nicotine replacement therapy), like patches, gum and inhalers, why would they not allow the use of the e-cig? Does this mean electronic cigarettes are completely safe? No it does not. It does mean that further study is needed to make an educated decision.

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