The Prevalence of Electronic Cigarettes in our Community Akela Moales Leah Aebly Gabrielle Hoisington James M. Bennett High School Wicomico County, Maryland

WHAT ARE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES?  also known as “E-Cigs”  cigarette-shaped device  contains a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and inhaled  used to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco  some are rechargeable

INGREDIENTS OF E-CIGARETTES: The nicotine-based chamber normally contain a mixture of:  propylene glycol, a liquid alcohol  glycerin, a colorless liquid  nicotine, a colorless oily liquid found in tobacco  flavorings Other types may use similar ingredients, but without nicotine.

COMPONENTS OF E-CIGARETTES:

HEALTH EFFECTS OF USE  Since E-cigarettes contain nicotine:  Nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco – it acts on the brain by releasing neurotransmitters to make you feel good, causing addiction  Nicotine acts as a stimulant which increases heart rate  Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, decreasing the flow of oxygen in the body and increasing blood pressure - all causing the heart to have to work harder  Nicotine narrows the bronchial passageways in the lungs, depriving the body of oxygen  The vapor released into the air by use also contains nicotine

LEGAL STATUS & FDA REGULATION Age:  In most states, the age for purchasing e- cigarettes is a minimum of 18.  The “Vape it” stores in Salisbury and Delaware require customers to be 18 or older to purchase from their websites or stores.  There are issues with underage e- cigarette users, but at least 41 states prohibit sales of e-cigarettes to minors as of October 6,

LEGAL STATUS & FDA REGULATION Are ingredients regulated? In April 2011, the FDA issued a statement that they intend to regulate e-cigarettes as “tobacco products.” (To date, the FDA has not taken authority, and has left the e-cigarette unregulated.) E-cigarette bans:  Several state governments are processing/adding e- cigarettes to their list of smoking bans.  Several countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes.  41 states prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors

OPINIONS OF USERS  One user who was interviewed about e- cigarettes say that when she tried them, she could stop smoking regular cigarettes two days later, even though she had been smoking for fifteen years.  Many users say that the reason they work so well is that it still gives you the action of smoking.

OPINIONS OF SOME PHYSICIANS  One physician, Joel Niztkin, stated that getting people to switch to e- cigarettes would eventually reduce the US death toll from 400,000 a year to less than 4,000 a year.  Another doctor, interviewed on Fox News finds that the e-cigarette is one of the most effective methods of cutting down or quitting smoking.

POSITIVES & NEGATIVES OF USE Positives:  less expensive than regular cigarette  they don’t make you “smell” like a smoker  flavor choices  no second hand smoke?  no tar/tobacco  some places allow usage indoors, etc. Negatives:  STILL CONTAINS NICOTINE  contains certain levels of carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as di-ethylene glycol, and nitrosamines  possible burns due to lithium battery heating up  second-hand effects unknown  possible poisonings

OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED  CDC study finds dramatic increase in e-cigarette related calls to Poison Centers (all 50 states and DC)  More than 50% of the calls involved young children under age 5; mainly due to ingestion.  Not needed to be childproof, have colors and flavors like candy that are appealing to children  Can also be poisoned by inhalation and absorption through skin and eyes.

ADVERTISEMENTS & PRICE  Even famous people do advertisements!

ADVERTISEMENTS & PRICE  E-cigarettes cost as little as $24.99 and as much as $199, depending on brand and function.  Since they are reusable, they are a value in comparison to tobacco prices.  Some starter kits are offered for free!  Replace e-cartridge and atomizers  Monthly:  E-cigarettes $40-$60 a month  Tobacco users about $180 a month  Yearly:  E-cigarettes $516 a year  Tobacco users $2,160 a year

LOCAL SPECIALTY STORES AND ONLINE SITES Locations:  North Salisbury  South Salisbury  Millsboro advertised at the register at Ace Hardware

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