New University Health Study Takes Closer Look at E-Cigarettes

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A study just released by the Journal of Public Health Policy is taking a closer look at traditional tobacco cigarettes vs. e-cigarettes, and the results are surprising even the biggest skeptics. Based on available evidence, the study "Electronic cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for tobacco control: A step forward or a repeat of past mistakes?" concluded that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes, and have the potential to become a smoking cessation device. The research was conducted and co-authored by Michael Siegel, a professor of community health sciences at Boston University School of Public Health, and Zachary Cahn, a graduate student in the political science department at the University of California at Berkeley.

Since their introduction to the U.S. Market three years ago, e-cigarettes have been difficult to categorize, leading to debate among government agencies, academics, manufacturers, and consumers about the usage and safety of the devices. Regardless, Charlotte-based blu Cigs, is emerging as a leader in this new, as-yet undefined space, currently the largest domestic provider of e-cigarettes, and the only one whose ingestible ingredients are 100% made in the USA.

Consumers everywhere are increasingly turning to e-cigs as an alternative to smoking, also known as "vaping". But as awareness grows, so does the debate, as evidenced by the recent ban of blu electronic cigarettes from the Grammy Awards, at the urging of several well-known national health organizations – seemingly based on conjecture rather than hard evidence. As the Journal article indicates, none of the more than 10,000 chemicals present in tobacco – including over 40 known carcinogens – have been found in the cartridges or vapor of electronic cigarettes in anything more than trace quantities. In fact, the research documents only 3 main ingredients in e-cigarettes, comparatively.

blu's battery-operated e-cigs create a smoke-free vapor "puff" that evaporates in seconds – closely mimicking the experience of smoking, without the tar, ash, tobacco, smell, smoke, or thousands of other chemicals associated with traditional cigarettes.  A clear favorite among U.S. consumers, blu's cartridges allow users to choose their own flavor and nicotine strength – from zero to 16 milligrams.

"In light of the evidence we've shown, it's unfortunate that so many U.S. health advocacy groups have voiced their support to take e-cigarettes off the market – with little to no research to substantiate their positions," said Michael Siegel, co-author of the report who has long studied tobacco epidemiology, and has evaluated tobacco-related policies at national, state, and local levels. "To date, I am not aware of any non-tobacco nicotine product that has elicited such dedication among its users, suggesting the rare promise of the e-cigarette as a smoking cessation tool."

"While the debate over e-cig legislation continues, for the time being users are on their own to verify the quality of the brands they purchase," said Jason Healy, President of blu. "We're more diligent than ever when it comes to maintaining our stringent standards of quality control and steady product innovation, so we can continue to deliver the highest caliber product to all of our customers."

blu Cigs are available at bars, nightclubs, and private airlines nationwide –  or can be purchased online at www.blucigs.com.

About blu Cigs

blu Cigs is an innovator and the leading provider of electronic cigarettes in the U.S., offering an alternative to smoking. blu's high-tech "e-cigs" look and feel just like traditional cigarettes – without the smoke, smell, tar and ash. blu Cigs are battery-operated – creating a smoke-free vapor "puff" that evaporates within seconds. blu Cigs are available in convenient disposables or rechargeable packs for continuous daily use, with or without nicotine and in a variety of flavors. blu Cigs have been featured in the presenter gift bags at the Grammy Awards and other celebrity events, and are used by a number of A-list actors, musicians, and athletes. Based in Charlotte, NC – at the heart of tobacco road – blu Cigs is the only e-cigarette provider whose ingestible contents are 100% made in the USA. For more, visit www.blucigs.com.

SOURCE blu Cigs