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Electronic Cigarettes... What the Experts are Saying

D r. Thomas Eissenberg, director of the clinical behavioral pharmacology laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond says “electronic cigarettes have never been studied for smoking cessation, so nobody knows if they are any more or less effective than other nicotine replacement products such as gums or patches.” Nevertheless, Dr. Eissenberg performed a study in July of 2010 in which data showed the urge to smoke was significantly reduced. “The devices are so similar to cigarettes that they can help fill the psychological urge to smoke,” Dr. Eissenberg said.

On the other side of the spectrum, Dr. Adam Leventhal, director of the University of Southern California’s health, emotion and addiction laboratory, says that “electronic cigarettes are almost certainly safer than cigarettes". He goes on to say that he cannot say for sure that they are more effective than nicotine patches or gums. Dr. Leventhal's comments are spurred by the fact that the FDA has not yet evaluated and approved electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation device.

Inversely, Dr. Eissenberg believes e-cigarettes may benefit smokers who are trying to quit. “Using it for six to eight weeks could be good,” he says. The consensus among many is that the best option is to not smoke at all. If you must smoke, electronic cigarettes are clearly a healthier option than tobacco cigarettes.

Dr. Carl Phillips, a former associate professor of public health at the University of Alberta, says that electronic cigarettes should be further studied, but that he’s confident in stating that e-cigarettes are 95% safer than traditional cigarettes. "If users are engaging in something that feels the same as smoking but doesn't involve any smoke, that's great," Dr. Phillips said.

For more information on the studies and published works of these professionals visit the links below:

PDF of Dr. Carl Phillips’ E-Cig Research

Dr. Carl Phillips’ academic web site about smoking alternatives

For no hype e-cigarette info visit ecigaretteshelpedmequit.com