News
Are E-Cigarettes the future?
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
KHAS.TV (Hastings)
For hundreds of years people have been lighting up. But a new technology has changed the way we think about cigarettes. Last week the FDA announced that it would regulate e-cigarettes for the first time.
It's the newest craze to hit the market. Electronic cigarettes.
"Of course with any new thing that comes out it becomes a fad and so electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are the new fad," said Sandy Yager, Prevention Coordinator for Tobacco Free Hall County.
Out with the old, in with the new. Many smokers are putting out their cigarettes and turning to the new technology of electronic cigarettes.
"I play a lot of sports and its easier on the lungs," said Tony Wagoner, a former tobacco user.
Last week, the Food and Drug administration announced plans to ban sales to those under 18 and requiring nicotine warning labels. This past legislative session, Nebraska lawmakers passed their own bill banning the sale to minors.
"Ever since we've first started this business we decided we filtered out minors all of our employees are instructed to ID anyone who looks under 25 years old," said Stacy Alexander, co-owner of E-Titan Vapor Lounge.
A little over a year ago Stacy Alexander and Jacob Martikainen opened up a vaping kiosk in the Conestoga mall.
"We've had a lot of success converted a lot of smokers," said Stacy.
Stacy kicked a 21 year old smoking habit with e-cigs. That's a goal of his store.
"We offer people if they give us a pack of cigarettes like this it's already open well give 5 dollars off of their starter kit just to get their cigarettes away from them and take away the temptation," said Stacy.
Advocates say electronic cigarettes and vapes are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco.
"There's no offensive odor. There are no carcinogens," said Jacob Martikainen, co-owner of E-Titan Vapor Lounge.
But, there are still questions about ingredients used in e-cigarettes. Under the new FDA regulations, companies would be required to disclose their ingredients. The FDA is also looking into banning e cigarette companies from advertising through television.
"Right now they are able to advertise towards youth. they are able to use the different flavors that cigarettes used to have in them," said Sandy.
Flavors are a big cause for concern. In fact, Sandy says that two children have died in US after they drank the fluid because it smells like candy.
http://www.khastv.com/story/are-e-cigarettes-the-future--20140429
