ETHIC SOUP WARNED about the probable dangers of e-cigarettes four months ago in the post "Hey Hey FDA,Whaddaya Say: Are E-Cigarettes Safe, Eh?"
FINALLY FDA RESPONDS
Finally, last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning, announcing that FDA laboratory tests on electronic cigarettes found carcinogens and other toxic chemicals dangerous to humans -- one was an antifreeze compound.
Battery-operated devices containing cartridges filled with nicotine and other chemicals, e-cigarettes look like a real cigarette with a glowing tip. It turns highly addictive nicotine into a vapor that is inhaled. And, they are spiced with kid-favored flavors such as chocolate, cola and bubble gum.
E-CIGARETTES ARE DANGEROUS
Although public health experts including the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cancer Society have said they are concerned about the safety of e-cigarettes, manufacturers and distributors have proclaimed e-cigarettes are a "healthy substitute" for smoking. They want the money!
And then, immediately following the FDA's warning that its analysts found carcinogens in e-cigarettes, including nitrosamines, those who tout e-cigarettes as healthy have countered that nitrosamines are also found in bacon, other cured meats and even beer. Therefore, they can't be dangerous.
WHAT, ARSENIC WON'T KILL YOU EITHER?
That's like saying arsenic can't kill you because it has a long history of medical applications. Before penicillin was developed, an arsenic compound was used to treat syphilis. It's most widely used form was in Fowler solution which was used for treatment of psoriasis. But, sex and skin aside, arsenic is a poison and can kill you.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY, AGAIN
Now those who would make money from sales of e-cigarettes are accusing the FDA of using its clout to demonize a product that has great public health benefits. Oh, Puhleez!
Only a week ago, Discovery News told of a new study's findings which suggest that low doses of nitrites can have serious effects on the brain. "The rising rate of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's may be linked to nitrites and related compounds -- found in hot dogs, bacon, potatoes and fertilizers, among other common products," according to Discovery News. So much for the bacon defense.
The American Lung Association said that it supports the FDA's concerns: "For too long, e-cigarette manufactures have sold these nicotine delivery devices -- absent FDA review and approval. These findings indicate FDA is serious about enforcing the law to protect consumers from unapproved products."
The lung assn said that it "urges the FDA to act immediately to halt the sale and distribution of all e-cigarettes unless the products have been reviewed and approved for sale by the FDA."
To that I say "DITTO."
MOST RECENT POST ON E-CIGARETTES:
TO READ "E-CIGARETTES PROHIBITED IN NEW JERSEY PUBLIC AND WORKPLACES" click here.
For more FDA information on e-cigarettes, click here.
TO READ "E-CIGARETTE FOLLOW UP: INHALE THIS -- BA-BYE" CLICK HERE.
TO READ "HEY, HEY FDA WHADDAYA SAY: ARE E-CIGARETTES SAFE, OKAY?" CLICK HERE.
TO READ "E-CIGARETTES NOT SAFE: OREGON SUES IMPORTER, PILOTS WANT TO BAN AS FIRE DANGER" CLICK HERE.
By Sharon McEachern
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