The Short History Of E-Cigarettes – Increasing Popularity Or Attempts to Kill The Competition?
Electronic cigarettes have a short history as they were introduced in 2003 by the SBT Co. Ltd. of Beijing, China. After the first launch, Ruyan developed the electronic products further and introduced electronic cigarettes to the European market at a 2006 Austrian conference. Marketing promotions assigned the name “Electro fag” to electronic cigarettes.
The first electronic smokes were not envisioned as a replacement for tobacco product. The concept was to provide a nicotine delivery system that smokers could use to soothe their need for a “fix” when they were in situations or locales where smoking tobacco was unacceptable. Marketers trying to sell electronic cigarettes quickly began advertising te products as a way to quit the tobacco habit. This did not gain approval from the e-cig manufacturers and was quickly condemned by the World Health Organization. The safety of electronic cigarettes had not been thoroughly tested and the WHO claimed there was no proof as yet of any benefits to users.
Some smokers consider e-cigarettes to be a hobby but not a habit. Gathering online in forums, electronic smokers who refer to themselves as “vapers” argue the merits of one e-liquid over another, offer advice on the best electronic cigarettes and discuss vapor volume endlessly.
Early e-cigarette designs parroted the image of tobacco smokes. In time, new designs were added as smoking electronically came into its own. Now buyers can choose from a variety of colors stylishly designed and may opt for logos or elegant designs on their e-cigs. Some versions bear little resemblance to traditional cigarettes while others are so closely designed to mimic tobacco products you must look twice to tell the difference. Popularity of e-cigarettes continues to grow.
In 2009, electronic cigarette suppliers formed their own trade association with a goal of providing factual information about electronic cigarettes and correcting misinformation spread by others. The focus is to promote electronic smoking as an alternative to smoking tobacco.
A significant amount of opposition has been aimed at electronic cigarettes by tobacco and pharmaceutical companies and the powerful lobbies that represent them in Washington, D.C. Bowing under pressure from these large corporations, the FDA has issued statements against e-cigarettes and last year imposed a ban on imports of the product from China. Recent court decisions may help counter the FDA’s policies and limit the ability of the lobbies to influence decisions of a government agency.
Misinformation and outright lies have been issued by big tobacco in an attempt to damage the market for e-cigarettes and generate fear in the public. From a distance, it is strange to hear expressions of concern for public health issued by companies that sell the most dangerous product legally available to that public.
The two piece disposable cartridge design is a recent innovation in the electronic cigarette market. After about 400 puffs, which is the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes, the smoker simply unscrews the spent mouthpiece and screws on a new cartridge pre-filled with nicotine solution. No cleaning is needed, no e-liquid is required and changing the cartridge is as easy as opening a cigarette pack.
Though the history of e-cigarettes may be short, the future is very bright for this product. The improvements in user experience and vapor volume combined with factual information is being provided to the buying public. Suppliers hope this will generate a demand for e-cigs that will only increase with time.
Mary Kay Rivers is a true expert on all aspects of electronic cigarettes. Her articles about an interesing story of the FDA and e-cigarettes and choosing the best electronic cigarette have become well-known.
