I think e-cigarettes have massively underrated potential to save many, many lives.

[OregonBlue]

33. I've been vaping for 3 years. Smoked for over 40 years. I feel so much better.

Started with high nicotine level (30mg) and have reduced to 11mg. I mostly use tobacco with espresso together. I get my nicotine and coffee together without all the harmful chemicals. I can hike again and have lots more energy.

The biggest plus is being able to reduce my dependence without gaining weight, which is always a concern for people trying to quit. Not only do I feel better, my clothes don't smell, there are no dirty ashtrays around, and my family is not exposed to carcinogens. 99% of the nicotine is absorbed almost instantly into the mouth tissue when you vape. It's not even necessary to inhale the vapor. What is exhaled is so infinitesimal as to be harmless to people around you.

People who object to e-cigarettes are really doing it on moral grounds, not health concerns. They try to claim that studies haven't been done but in fact, e-cigs have been around for many years in Europe and the Swedes and Germans have done several studies.

They have yet to find any negative effects on either the people who are vaping or those around them who are exposed to the vapor. What is being exhaled is the same chemical that is used in airline air filtration systems (you know that cold mist in the cabin on a hot day) and artificial fog machines, with only very tiny traces of nicotine or other chemicals. Levels were so small as to be almost undetectable.

E-cigarettes are much less expensive than cigarettes. They are better for you. They allow people to reduce or quit addiction to dangerous cigarettes without the accompanying weight gain and irritability.

Overall, I'd say, it's a good thing.