The scientific model used by the researchers suggested that 550,000 male and 240,000 female lung cancer deaths had been avoided during the 25 year period. The researchers further claim that had all smokers ceased to smoke cigarettes following the first real health warnings about tobacco in 1964, a total of 2.5 million lung cancer deaths could have been prevented.

Eric Feuer, chief of the National Cancer Institute's Statistical Methodology and Applications Branch said :"the progress that has been made by tobacco control programs and policies in reducing lung cancer deaths represents about a third of the progress that could have been made if all cigarette smoking had ceased in 1965."

Some of the methods cited as contributing to the reduction in smoking-related deaths include higher taxes on cigarettes, campaigns educating people about the dangers of smoking, and the introduction of laws limiting the sale of cigarettes to children. 

Latest US government data puts the current rate of smoking in the US at 20.6 per cent of the population.

The data for the study was collated from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, and compared the reported levels of exposure to second hand smoke in cars from the years 2009, 2006, 2004, 2002 and 2000.

Their main findings were that exposure to second hand smoke in non-smokers had fallen from 39% in 2000 to 22.8% in 2009, and amongst smokers, the percentages for the same time periods fell from 82.3% to 75.3%.

The survey’s authors expressed concern that despite the fall in exposure, “over one-fifth of non-smoking students were exposed to SHS in cars”. Furthermore, they went on to suggest that “Jurisdictions should expand comprehensive smoke-free policies that prohibit smoking in worksites and public places to also prohibit smoking in motor vehicles occupied by youth."

Passive smoking (commonly referred to in the US as ‘second-hand smoke’ or ‘environmental smoke’) has been linked to numerous health problems in young people. There are claims that passive smoking can exacerbate asthma, cause acute respiratory disease, cause delayed lung growth and certain ear diseases. 

The study was based on brain scans of 48 participants – half smokers and half non-smokers. The smokers in the study were also sub-divided into groups – heavy smokers (those who smoked over 25 cigarettes per day) and moderate smokers (those who smoked between 15 and 25 cigarettes per day). There was also a qualitative element to the study, where participants were asked how they felt at various stages.

It was found that in the heavy smokers category, the level of the chemical monoamine oxidase (commonly found at high levels in clinical depression sufferers) rose by 25% eight hours after the last cigarette was smoked. There was found to be no significant increase in the presence of the chemical in the moderate smokers group.

The findings of the study go some way to explaining why smokers who are trying to quit find it so difficult; often becoming very irritable. John Meyer, the scientist who led the study, commented that the effect revealed in this study is entirely different from the effect of nicotine withdrawal. The results of this study have identified “another area that we could focus on to help people”, commented Meyer.  

A number of large tobacco firms in the US had already strongly opposed the proposals; arguing that a mandate to force them to display the graphic images as proposed would violate the country’s constitution, by imposing an anti-smoking message on the cigarette purchaser.  The Food and Drug administration had countered, however, that the need to convey the dangers of smoking overtook the need to obey the constitution in terms of importance.

The Washington district judge determined, however, that a mandate to display such images would go beyond simply informing people and that the images were in fact designed to provoke an emotional response and therefore influence people in their decision making. In his ruling, Judge Leon stated: "While the line between the constitutionally permissible dissemination of factual information and the impermissible expropriation of a company's advertising space for government advocacy can be frustratingly blurry, here the line seems quite clear."

The study used data from a clinical trial of NicVax, one of the anti-smoking drugs that has been tested on humans, to model how effective a vaccine of this type could be on assisting with bringing down the smoking rate amongst Australian teens. They found that at best, they could bring down the rate of adolescents who start smoking from 10 per cent per year to two per cent.

Although the effectiveness of the vaccine has been called into question by some, the main barrier in Australia is the cost; which works out above the normal threshold for vaccination programmes in the country. This does not, however, rule out anti-smoking vaccines as a possible measure to reduce smoking in other countries, such as the US, where this threshold is higher.

Dr Grace Lee, of Children’s Hospital, Boston, commented on the study: "This might help either target the vaccine to a higher risk population, where the intervention might be considered cost-effective, or help vaccine developers focus on certain characteristics of the vaccine that would increase the likelihood of adoption by a national vaccination program.”

Of the 4000 chemicals that are contained in cigarette smoke, at least 80 of them are known to be carcinogenic – ie. cancer-causing. These include arsenic (a chemical used in wood preservatives), cadmium (contained in batteries), formaldehyde (used in paint manufacturing), chromium (used in paints and dyes) and acrolein (a substance formerly used as a chemical weapon).

The smoke from cigarettes also contains several poisons including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and ammonia (used in industrial pesticides, chemical manufacturing and fertilisers/explosives respectively).

There are of course more commonly known chemicals in cigarettes, such as tar; a collection of chemicals containing solid particles that when inhaled, settle on the lungs. Tar also forms a brown residue, which is responsible for staining the hands and teeth of smokers. 

The shocking truth about the chemicals contained within cigarettes may lead smokers to question what they are taking into their body, and even look for an alternative to smoking conventional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes do not contain many of the carcinogenic chemicals that are contained within conventional cigarettes (for example, two of the main known chemicals, tobacco and tar, are not present in electronic cigarettes), leading some to recommend smoking e cigs as a ‘safer’ alternative to cigarettes.  

Lawmakers in Utah have expressed concerns that the health risks associated with smoking electronic cigarettes are not known, with others arguing that treating electronic cigarettes the same as hookah pipes, by making both illegal in the same action, was problematic. There were also reservations held by some that the enforcement of the bill would effectively put hookah bars out of business, resulting in numerous job losses. Ultimately there were too many questions and concerns regarding the ban for those responsible for enforcing the legislation to come to an agreement.

Smoking bans in the US have been coming under the spotlight recently, with an outdoor smoking ban in public areas coming into force in New York City. Other cities and states in the US may be looking to follow suit and the discussion about whether electronic cigarettes should be included is also a question for debate. 

The results of the study showed that both smoking and obesity in pregnant women can increase the likelihood of babies being born with certain defects. Typical defects caused by smoking included valve and muscular abnormalities, while obesity was more closely linked with abnormalities of the septum and the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The results of the analysis revealed that while both smoking and obesity were significant risk factors in their own right, when women are both overweight and smoke during pregnancy, the risk of congenital heart disease in their new-borns is significantly increased.  In fact, when both risk factors were present in mothers, babies were 2.5 times more likely to have a heart defect at birth.

The study’s authors commented on their findings: "These results indicate that maternal smoking and overweight may both be involved in the same pathway that causes congenital heart defects”.

Statistics indicate that over 50% of women in the United States are obese, with a body mass index of 25 or over, when they become pregnant. 

Chapman has been instrumental in the plain packaging row in Australia, proposing the ban in a research paper in 2008 and thereafter leading the campaign that eventually saw the legislation pass in 2011. Mr Chapman made the comments whilst visiting the UK last week, where he has been advising the public health community ahead of the consultation on bringing plain packaging into law over here.

Whilst Australia has led the way with the plain packaging ban, several other states and countries around the world are said to be considering bringing similar bans into force, with seventeen states recently attending a World Health Organisation summit on the topic.

Although the ban on branded packaging is aimed at reducing the temptation for young people to take up smoking, there is likely to be a huge impact on the profits of tobacco companies. One area where profits are expected to be hit is premium priced cigarettes. If tobacco firms are no longer allowed to print any branding on their packets of cigarettes, leaving only the name on the packet, there will be little room to create appeal to different target markets. It may therefore become difficult for manufacturers of premium-end cigarettes to sustain their premium price, therefore cutting their profit margins.

The study, which was conducted in partnership with Harvard Medical School in Boston, questioned over 5000 patients who had been diagnosed with lung cancer or colorectal cancer. The results showed that 39% of lung cancer patients and 14% of colon cancer patients were still smoking on diagnosis. Patients were also questioned five months after they had been diagnosed, with 14 percent of lung cancer patients and 9 percent of colorectal cancer patients still smoking respectively.

Researchers reported that the majority of those patients who had been diagnosed with lung and colon cancer had tried to quit, but some returned to smoking within a relatively short period. Other patients were reported not to have tried to quit at all, however.

The findings of the study, which were published in the latest edition of CANCER, a journal of the American Cancer Society, are a cause for concern, especially for doctors who claim that smoking can reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Some specialists claim that patients who continue to smoke may reduce the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. In addition, continuing to smoke can also lead to an increased risk of developing further smoking-related disease, ultimately reducing survival rates. 

One of the best ways to really analyse where your money is being spent and how you can make cut backs is to add up your annual expenditure on your regular outgoings. It is estimated that a 20 a day smoker will spend $3500 per year on cigarettes – a substantial sum in anyone’s book. If someone told you that simply by switching to a different method of smoking, one which could also be healthier for you, you could save £2000 per year, would you be interested?

Electronic cigarettes are up to 70% cheaper than conventional cigarettes, so over a year, a 20 a day smoker could save around $2000. Not only could these substantial savings be achieved, but because they contain no tobacco and no tar, electronic cigarettes are often considered a healthier method of smoking. 

Smokers who have been smoking conventional cigarettes are often dubious about making the switch to e cigarettes, if only for the reason that they are so used to their regular brand of cigarettes. Electronic cigarette starter kits are the ideal way for smokers to try the e cigarette alternative – and contain everything needed to give it a go.

Electronic cigarettes are designed to look and feel like normal cigarettes, and once tried, the benefits or switching to e cigarettes from conventional cigarettes (including the benefits to your bank balance!) are clear.

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One new method to help smokers to quit the habit is currently being trialled, with some promising initial results. An anti-smoking vaccine which is hoped to assist many smokers in their attempt to quit is currently being developed. The vaccine provides smokers with an increased level of antibodies to fight nicotine when it enters the body. Upon inhaling cigarette smoke, these antibodies neutralise the nicotine, preventing it from reaching the brain. The nicotine therefore does not reach the nerves in the brain, so cannot stimulate those nerves associated with addiction.

Initial trials of the injection have been successful in providing an increased level of the anti-nicotine antibodies in the participant’s bloodstreams. What is encouraging is that these levels also remained at a higher level a year after the injection – providing hope that the anti-smoking vaccination will work as a long-term solution and assist smokers who may relapse. 

Following initial successful trials, larger scale medical trials are currently underway. Should the vaccine prove to have similar results to the initial trial, stopping smoking by injection may just be a few years away.

The data for the study, collected on operational units, also indicates that smoking negatively impacts on muscle endurance, especially as soldiers get older. Soldiers who smoke were unable to perform as many sit-ups and push-ups in the Army Physical Fitness test as non-smoking soldiers. Scientists running the studies identify the body’s reduced ability to heal and repair as a result of smoking as a major contributing factor to their findings.

It is estimated that one third of active-duty service members smoke, with this percentage increasing in combat zones.

In addition to the higher risk of injury and reduced performance on an individual basis, soldiers who smoke carry a greater financial cost to the country as a whole. A recent article in US publication the Army Times stated that tobacco use costs the Pentagon $846 million a year in medical care and lost productivity.

Whilst the overall aim would be for soldiers to stop smoking altogether, chief nurse executive at the USAPHC said “Any reduction in tobacco use is considered a success”.  

The study, which included both male and female participants, completed a psychological assessment upon quitting smoking, followed up by further tests one and three years after they had stopped smoking. The assessment covered a number of quality of life measures including health, self-regard, work, recreation, learning, friendships, relationships with family, home and community.

Compared to the participants who continued to smoke, those who had quit smoking reported a much more positive outlook in terms of the quality of life factors being measured, and also reported feeling less stressed by the third year. 

The authors of the study commented: 'Smokers might believe that quitting will decrease life satisfaction or quality of life - because they believe it disrupts routines, interferes with relationships, leads to a loss of smoking-related pleasure, or because cessation deprives them of a coping strategy.

'Our findings suggest that, over the long-term, individuals will be happier and more satisfied with their lives if they stop smoking than if they do not.' 

 The research, funded by the US National Cancer Institute, investigated the metabolism of chemicals within the bodies of 12 participants in a controlled environment, without the external influences of diet, air pollution etc.

 Whilst the long-term effects of smoking are widely known, the results of this study demonstrate just how quickly harmful chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which damage the body’s DNA, can develop. The results of the study suggest that rather than years, it is only a matter of minutes after smoking a first cigarette that the damage can begin.

 Considering an alternative to smoking may be one way in which exposure to the harmful chemicals and toxins, contained within normal cigarettes, can be reduced. There are safer alternatives to smoking available on the market, including electronic cigarettes, or e cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes do not contain tar, tobacco, or many of the other harmful toxins that normal cigarettes contain. For more information about e cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking, read the information here.

The board’s director of nursing claims that the plans are justified by the staff’s "responsibilities to be positive role models in dealing with patients and the public".

Highly controversial and perhaps unfair, the plans may be. But not, it seems unlawful. Employment law in New Zealand does not state smoking/non-smoking as a reason for discrimination and as such, any favourable/unfavourable treatment of potential staff on the basis of whether they smoke or not falls within the country’s laws.

One survey suggested that amongst nursing staff, there is a 35% rate of smoking – higher than the country-wide rate of around 20%. It is not thought that the policy, which is still only being considered at this stage, would have any effect on existing staff of the DHB who smoke.

New Zealand are aiming to be smoke free by 2025 and this proposal is seen by some as the latest aggressive tactic towards achieving this. Smoking in places of work was banned in New Zealand in 2004. Following on from this, some universities and hospitals have voluntarily extended the ban to anywhere indoors or outdoors on their premises.

In an early step towards this ambitious goal, the government in NZ have introduced the Smoke-free Environments (Controls and Enforcement) Amendment Bill, which will make the display of cigarettes and tobacco products in stores, supermarkets, petrol stations etc illegal from July next year. Retailers are being given a twelve month period to remove the displays, after which a hefty fine will be applied. It is hoped that by removing displays of cigarettes and tobacco products, the temptation to purchase them will be reduced. Under the amended bill, retailers caught selling cigarettes to under 18’s will also face increased fines of up to $10,000.

New Zealand’s restaurants, bars and casinos went smoke free in December 2004, with the country also controversially bringing in a smoking ban in its prisons earlier this year. Prison inmates have not been able to buy cigarettes, tobacco, matches or lighters since the ban came into force in the country on 1^st July 2011.

The forward thinking approach of New Zealand’s health ministers was praised at a recent World Medical Association General Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay. Statistics from the country’s department for health claims that one in five teenagers in New Zealand is exposed to smoke, and 20% of the country’s population smoke - figures which the government and health officials are determined to not only reduce, but eradicate altogether.

During the study, which tested three groups - smokers, previous smokers and people who had never smoked before – the participants were given a tour of the university campus, being asked to complete a number of tasks on the way around. Following the tour, they were asked to recollect the tasks they had been asked to complete.

The results showed that there were marked differences between the results of the different groups, with the smoking group remembering only 59% of the information, compared to the group who had never smoked, who recalled 81% of information. What is especially interesting, and perhaps somewhat surprising, is that the previous smoker group remembered 74% of the tasks they were asked, lagging behind the group who had never smoked by only 7%.

This suggests that although smoking does have a negative impact on memory and cognitive function, stopping smoking can go quite some way to reverse the effect.

This study has a positive message to give to smokers who are trying to stop smoking, as it indicates in addition to being beneficial to overall health, stopping smoking can also be good for everyday cognitive ability, including memory recall. 

1 – The tobacco plant comes from the same family of plants as potatoes, peppers and tomatoes. There are 64 species of tobacco grown in countries throughout the world.

2 – Tobacco was once known and utilised as a medicinal plant – with South American Doctors using the burned leaves of the plant as a disinfectant and to treat skin problems such as sores and abscesses, to ease headaches and as method of pain relief.

3 – Nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco, was named after the French explorer Jean Nicot. Nicot brought tobacco back to Paris with him in 1560. Tobacco was also brought to Europe prior to this time, by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

4 – Scientists have dated tobacco use back hundreds of years ago. Chewing tobacco is one of the oldest forms of consuming the plant.

5 – The major producers of tobacco for use in cigarettes today are China, India, Brazil and the United States.   

Tobacco’s use as a drug has changed over hundreds of years, and since its popularisation in cigarettes as we know then today, now represents a multi-billion pound industry. This humble plant has certainly come a long way…

When you light up a normal cigarette, you will most often smoke until it until it’s completely finished, so as not to waste any. With an electronic cigarette, however, you can take as little or as many puffs as you need without having to worry about waste. You may find that four or five puffs if enough to satisfy your nicotine craving for a period of time. You might find even find that this is as little as one or two puffs at a time. E-cigs are certainly more economical in this way.

So are you actually spending more time smoking electronic-cigarettes than if you were smoking normal cigarettes? This of course depends on the individual and how often they smoke their e-cigarette throughout the day. What most people tend to find is that although it can feel like they are smoking e-cigarettes more frequently; each session is shorter than if they were smoking traditional cigarettes

What all this adds up to is a more even consumption of nicotine throughout the course of the day. E-cigarette smokers can therefore feel more in control of their cravings. If you are thinking of switching to electronic cigarettes, have a look at our e-cigarette starter packs, available to purchase online.

E-Lites are proud to announce the sponsorship of acclaimed Mixed Martial Artist Jeff ‘The Snowman’ Monsoon. The USA’s most advanced electronic cigarette company is gearing up to sponsor and support Monson’s M-1 event against Fedor Emelianenko on November 20^th 2011.

Held at Moscow’s prestigious Olympic Stadium, the event will draw in a spectacular crowd and spectators from all over the world. Monson’s opponent Fedor Emelianenko, one the greatest mixed martial artist of all time and a former Pride Fighting Championships heavyweight champion, will be looking to crack his three-fight losing streak when he returns to challenge Monson at home in Russia for the first time in four years. 

Originally from Olympia, Washington, Mixed Martial Artist Monson attained ‘The Snowball’ epithet after his winning performance at the 1999 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championship. This feat cemented his status as Monson entered the challenge as an unknown and beat four Brazilians in a row in the 88-98 kg weight class. Post-event, Monson’s challengers described him as a snowball – white, compact, rolling and getting bigger and stronger as the tournament went on. 

The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and American Top Team member, Monson boasts a black belt in Jui Jitsu and a professional boxing record of two wins and one draw. He is a two-time winner of the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship and a NOGI Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion.

 Founder and co-director of E-Lites, Adrian Everett, said: “We’re really honored to be associated with one of the best mixed martial artists in the world and are really looking forward to supporting him at this historic event in Russia. Just like Monson, E-Lites has really snowballed, with more and more people making the sensible switch. 

“Our aim is to provide smokers with an enjoyable and authentic smoking experience – but one that is significantly healthier, better value and unrestricted for use in almost all public places. We hope by raising awareness on an international scale, even more smokers will be converted.”

Everyone has heard the debate on the health risks surrounding electronic cigarettes. With E-Lites being the leading electronic cigarette in the UK and the USA, we can’t help but notice the difference in attitude from both Governments. Now Forbes Magazine has spoke out by declaring “E-cigarettes should be promoted, not banned!”

Whilst the UK promotes electronic cigarette starter kits as an innovative starting point for a healthier alternative to tobacco, US officials are determined lure people away from e-cigs – potentially keeping them hooked on tobacco for life!

Tom Worstall, Forbes business and technology writer, states; “And the various bans on e-cigarettes make just as little sense to me as that. Some countries have banned them altogether. I think I’m right in saying that the FDA in the US wants to regulate them as a drug delivery device which is tantamount to banning them.”

However, the absolute gem of knowledge which Tom accentuates has to be “But surely, surely, people ingesting nicotine in a manner that doesn’t kill them is a good idea? Better than their continuing to get the drug from a method that may well kill them? Can anyone actually explain to me why there is this campaign against e-cigarettes?”

This one small step for vapors, one giant leap for the E-Lite-kind!

Check out the Forbes Magazine article here

Affectionately know as ‘The Natural State’, Arkansas actually sits under a dark tobacco cloud. The nationwide percentage of tobacco users throughout the USA sits at 19%, however the Arkansas smokers account for 23% of the state's population. 

The high percentage of smokers has been a top concern that State Governor Mike Beebe who has made passive smoking a top priority by bringing in new tobacco laws and expanding old ones. In July, smokers were warned they were no longer allowed to light up in a car which contained a passenger under 14-years-old, previously the law only accounted for passenger under six.

With only 3% of Arkansas smokers actually wanting to quit, the state is likely to be on the tobacco addict list for years to come.

Indiana

If you’re a lover of passive smoking then Indiana is the state for you! Indiana is the third most laid back state when it comes to making laws restricting tobacco use. There are no laws about smoking in pubs, restaurants, bars and the workplace. Its laid-back approach to smoking recently meant Indiana received an F-Grade from the American Lung Foundation (ALA).

Kentucky

Kentucky is set for a continuously smoky future; the state boasts the second highest adult smoking rate, highest rate of high school smokers, and worst still; the highest smoke-related deaths rate.

Not only does Kentucky house a hefty amount of tobacco users, it is also responsible for a significant amount of tobacco leaves grown and traded in the U.S. Along with North Carolina, its crops account for two thirds of all the tobacco harvested in America. 

Louisiana   

Everyone knows that smokers smoke far more when they have an alcoholic drink in their hand. Therefore it’s no surprise that Louisiana, the state known for its love of partying, has a population where one in five adults smoke.

The states love of smoking whilst drinking has previously caused controversy, although Governors have banned smoking from restaurants, offices and public buildings, they have yet to win the public’s support to ban it from pubs and clubs.

Mississippi

Mississippi has laws prohibiting smoking on school campuses and Government buildings; however, it is one of the three states which does not have a law prohibiting smoking in child care buildings. Previously proposed tobacco bans in restaurants and other non-governmental buildings have always been met with a large amount of public resistance.

Missouri

Missouri wins the status of cheapest state to smoke in. An average pack of cigarettes in the USA costs around $10 upwards, with the Federal Government adding a $1 tax per pack. The average pack of cigarettes in Missouri however will set you back around $4.50, with a state tax of 17₵ - one of the lowest in America.

Oklahoma

The birthplace of original "Marlboro Man" Darrell Winfield, the smoking rates and smoke-related death rates in Oklahoma rank very high in comparison to the rest of America. However the state appears to be the most active of our list at doing something to stop that. The state is currently successfully passing stricter anti-tobacco laws with mass support for the state population.

South Carolina

South Carolina smokers find it the hardest to quit smoking. Fewer than 2% of smokers manage to quit for more than a year, and less than 1 in 10 quit without the use of nicotine replacement therapies. It’s hardly a shock; there are no laws against smoking in bars, restaurants and shops. Similar to Missouri; South Carolina only adds 53₵ tax on cigarette packets making smoking a much cheaper lifestyle than other states.

Tennessee

The worst state for the number of tobacco packs brought per capita. The number of smokers in Tennessee is not considered high but the amount of smoke-relates deaths are. State spending for smoking cessation is one of the lowest (only 3% of the CDC’s recommended amount). Like most southern states Tennessee’s economy also relies heavily the its tobacco harvest. The Great Smokey Mountains couldn’t be located in a better place!

West Virginia 

27% of adults living in West Virginia are tobacco smokers, the highest in America. If that isn’t enough, West Virginia smokers smoke the most tobacco too - the average West Virginian will purchase 113 packs per year. This is not without consequence, after Kentucky, West Virginia has the second highest rate of lung cancer deaths, 90% of which are caused from tobacco smoking.

Don't be a number, get your hands on an E-Lites Starter Kit and start your tobacco-free life now!

Due to the federal rule-making process the public has until 14^th November to have their say as to whether electronic cigarettes should be banned on flights. Click here and type the keyword ‘electronic cigarettes’ into the search bar to have your say NOW!

Tobacco cigarettes were banned from U.S. flights in 2000 and now DOT wants to expand the law to include electronic cigarettes. In the past, flight attendants have had difficulties with electronic cigarettes on flights. Firstly, confused passengers who are not familiar with electronic cigarettes express concerns about the vapor they are passively inhaling when another passenger is using an e-cig nearby. Secondly, many flight attendants have not been briefed on electronic cigarettes, this has led to confrontations with e-cig using passengers over the legality of their use on the flight.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood explained: “Airline passengers have rights, and this new rule would enhance passenger comfort and reduce any confusion surrounding the use of electronic cigarettes in flight."

However, Ray Story chief executive of the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association slammed the proposal saying the Government is: "Asking for something that makes zero sense because this product emits nothing, I don't think the masses have been educated enough to know this isn't smoking."

Here at E-Lites we like to think that we are offering tobacco smokers a fair and healthier alternative to their traditional tobacco cigarettes. The US Government can no longer claim they have concerns over the content of e-cigs, the ingredients are on the packaging and have now been approved by numerous professors and doctors throughout the US.

Claiming there is ‘confusion’ over electronic cigarettes is not far from the truth as we have previously reported. However shouldn’t confusion create a need for knowledge? By banning electronic cigarettes the Government is taking the easiest route of closing the consumer’s options in hope that the product popularity dwindles. Surely the permission of electronic cigarettes on flights would also clear up confusion?

Also educating the confused masses about the how the electronic cigarette is a far healthier alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes should be higher on the Government agenda. Banning e-cigs from flights is counterproductive, sending users back to the carcinogenic hotbox of the smokers lounge in airports just so they can get their tobacco fix.

Rant over. If you don’t want to see electronic cigarettes banned on US commercial flights then remember to have your say. Federal officials have revealed that they can not estimate how long it will take to prepare for the final rule adoption…E-Lites will bring the news to you as it arrives.

The initiative came after WHO found out that highly influential characters from the new Men in Black film (due out in 2012) would be smokers, and that smoking scenes would occur regularly throughout the film. The success of previous Men in Black films and its “family demographic” is causing concerns that scenes will depict smoking as a fashionable and trendy habit to the film’s younger audience members.

It’s an age-old debate of how the content of media affects children. ‘The Role of the Media in Promoting and Reducing Tobacco Use’, a report released in 2008 by the National Cancer Institute concluded; “smoking in movies is causally linked to youth smoking initiation. Smoking in movies affects how youth and adults view the social acceptability of smoking and perceptions of the functions of smoking, as well as its consequences.”

Dr. Stanton Glantz and consultant Jonathan Polansky of the UC San Francisco Centre for Tobacco Control Research and Education, and Christopher Millett, a public health expert at Imperial College London produced new guidelines which state that some governments offer “generous subsidies to the U.S. film industry” for movies which contribute to the promotion of smoking to younger adults and children.

WHO would also like to introduce new measures which would encourage economic disincentives to movies which promote the use of tobacco, for example, the ineligibility for public subsidies if a film includes smoking scenes.

The film industry is split, with many believing that kids are introduced and drawn to smoking by many more influences than just what they see in the movies. Even if films are given a higher classification, kids can easily find other ways to watch them if they wanted to, either by downloading the film (legally or illegally) from the internet or by simply going to an older friend’s house.

Smoking scenes in movies decreased by 72% from 2005 and of all the Hollywood released films of 2010; almost 50% did not include a single smoking scene. There is another option which could appease both parties, the introduction of a more responsible image of smoking in films, in short, Hollywood needs to stock themselves up on E-Lites!

Take Johnny Depp for example, in his recent hit The Tourist he uses an electronic cigarette and explains the benefits to his love interest Elise (Angelina Jolie). Let hope this is another one of Johnny Depp's influential trends.

However, we are also interested in giving you something new and valuable to look at, that’s why we have also taken the time to include a list of some of the strangest, if slightly dumb, laws which affect smokers all over the globe.

Firstly the serious stuff...

Electronic cigarette users:

The Boston Public Health Commission has approved rules which regulate the sale of electronic cigarettes; e-cigs will now be treated like regular tobacco cigarettes. The commission will vote on November 10^th, if the rule is final then retailers will require a permit to sell electronic cigarettes and prohibit their sales to minors. Tobaccoless cigarettes will also be banned from the workplace.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s (SMMUSD) Board of Education will amend its Tobacco Free Schools policy. The SMMUSD is set to ban all ‘tobacco products’ and ‘nicotine devices’ in schools, an extension of the state law already prohibiting the sale of e-cigs to minors.

Tobacco smokers:

Governor Jerry Brown has just signed a bill into law which gives Californian landlords the legal rights to ban tobacco smoking in their premises as of January 1^st, 2012. Santa Monica property owners are claiming the measure won’t be enough as landlords can only write the law into new leases, existing leases cannot be touched. Landlords are currently paying up to $15,000 in damages and cleaning repairs after letting their apartments out to tobacco smokers.

Now the bizarre laws...

Indiana: No one is allowed to smoke in the state legislature building unless the legislature is in session.

People must have a referral from a licensed physician if they wish to see a hypnotist unless the required procedure is to lose weight or stop smoking.

Mesa, Arizona: Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of a public area unless the smoker has a Class 12 liqueur license.

Massachusetts: It is illegal for minors to purchase cigarettes, however it is legal for them to smoke cigs.

Oregon: Like everywhere, it is illegal to buy / sell marijuana, however it is legal to smoke it on your property.

Singapore: Cigarettes are illegal in public places and it is considered an offense to enter the country carrying them.

Australia: Like in Massachusetts, it is illegal for children to purchase cigarettes, but legal for minors to smoke them.

France: An ashtray is classed as a “deadly weapon”.

Keep an eye on our news to find out about the latest electronic cigarette and tobacco regulations as they happen.

Today there’s more good health news for electronic cigarette users... Another recent study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, has confirmed the health benefits of switching from tobacco cigarettes to tobaccoless cigarettes.

The study, conducted by Professor J. Fouls from Penn State University, College of Medicine, Cancer Institute, gave light to a number of various health issues surrounding tobaccoless cigarettes. It not only established that e-cigs were a much healthier alternative to tobacco smoking, but also found that high amounts of e-cig users have successfully switched from tobacco cigarettes their tobaccoless alternative for good - significantly higher than any FDA recommend smoking cessation.

The appeal and success of electronic cigarettes has been put down to how it mimics a tobacco cigarette, whilst removing the risks associated with tobacco. Professor Michael B. Siegel, Boston University School of Public Health, explained:  "The distinct and unique advantage of e-cigarettes is that they allow individuals to utilize one device that can simultaneously address nicotine withdrawal, psychological factors, and behavioural cues that serve as barriers to smoking abstinence. The findings that most individuals who used e-cigarettes at least reduced the number of tobacco cigarettes they smoked suggest that if proven safe, e-cigarettes may be a potentially important tool for harm reduction, especially among smokers who have found currently available pharmaceutical smoking-cessation options to be ineffective."

Professor J. Fouls also believes that following the FDA recommendations that e-cig users should switch to their approved smoking cessation (gum or patches) could actually decline an e-cig user’s health progress. The professor declares: "for those who have successfully switched to e-cigs, the priority should be staying off cigarettes.”

The FDA placed e-cigs in the tobacco product category in April, 2011 and currently recommends that electronic cigarette users should switch to their approved cessations (e.g. nicotine patches and gum). However, this is yet another study which has found that this could actually reverse health gains.

The conflicting views of health experts and the anti-smoking groups are increasing the demand for truthful information about the risks of both FDA-approved NRT’s and e-cigs. Misguided warnings and rumours claiming the lack in scientific evidence about the safety of ecigs is not fair to consumers and could potentially provide set-backs to an e-cig user’s health.

William T. Godshall, at the FDA Modified Risk Tobacco Products Workshop states: “In sum, there is no justification for FDA to require any new studies for the approval of MRTP applications seeking to claim that a smokeless tobacco product is less hazardous than cigarettes. Any regulation requiring smokeless tobacco companies to conduct additional studies to make that claim is tantamount to a “truth tax”.”

Women who smoke during pregnancy face a 25% increased chance of giving birth to a malformed baby, a higher miscarriage risk and low birth weight. American research has also found potential genetic “root cause” of a link joining smoking whilst pregnant with an increased chance of childhood asthma.

Scientists believe that children born to women who have smoked during pregnancy are 1.5 times more likely to get asthma. Experts believe this increased risk could be caused by smoke altering the structure of the child’s DNA, also weakening the child’s immune system.

Even though it was thought that genes were immutable unless exposed to radiation, evidence is suggesting that DNA could be transformed by regular environment influences. This process is considered a normal biological process and is called DNA methylation. The research discovered more DNA methylation of the AXL gene, a crucial gene in the development of the immune system, in children whose mother smoked whilst pregnant.

Even though it was thought that genes were immutable unless exposed to radiation, evidence is suggesting that DNA could be transformed by regular environment influences. This process is considered a normal biological process and is called DNA methylation. The research discovered more DNA methylation of the AXL gene, a crucial gene in the development of the immune system, in children whose mother smoked whilst pregnant.

Assistant professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California USC, Carrie Breton said: "We found that children exposed to maternal smoking in utero had a 2.3 percent increase in DNA methylation in AXL."

She believes that the research delivers "compelling evidence that environmental exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy may alter DNA methylation levels."

Leanne Metcalf, director of research at Asthma UK, said: "This research reinforces why smoking during pregnancy should be avoided. Causing fundamental changes to a child’s DNA which is not easily reversed and exposing that child to an increased chance of developing asthma and a weaker immune system will have extremely serious long term implications for any child."

E-Lites do contain nicotine, therefore are NOT recommended for pregnant women.

The report of 2.4million people illustrated that: "Women had a significant 25% increased risk for coronary heart disease conferred by cigarette smoking compared with men." These figures were described as ‘alarming’ by The British Heart Foundation, especially as women usually smoke far fewer cigarettes compared to men.

Senior cardiac nurse for The British Heart Foundation, Ellen Mason said: “It's alarming to see such a large study confirm that women are so much more at risk of heart disease from smoking than men. Despite women generally smoking fewer cigarettes a day than men, women appear to be substantially more at risk of getting heart disease.”

The details of the study are especially disturbing as they are also unexplained. Researchers expect the results can be explained by one of two things. One is that biological differences between men and women could mean that females are more vulnerable to coronary heart disease, or secondly, there could be variations in the way men and women smoke.

Scientists working on the study suggested: "Women might extract a greater quantity of carcinogens and other toxic agents from the same number of cigarettes than men."

Either way it’s scary stuff, especially as heart disease is listed by The World Health Organisation as the world’s biggest killer. Ladies, it’s time to grab your E-Lites! 

Worldwide cigarette-related fire deaths are calculated at a staggering 330,000 per year. One in four fire victims is a non-smoker, when it comes to fires there’s no discrimination or choice, those in its path with suffer.

So what can we do? Former California State Fire Marshal Chief Ronny J. Coleman has announced his overwhelming support for electronic cigarettes stating: “I believe it is a product that can have a direct and measurable impact on both fires and life saving in the United States.”

Chief Coleman has always been averse to tobacco smoking due to its related health risks; however he agrees that the tobaccoless cigarette could provide the drastic measures needed to cut the amount of smoking-associated fires, with the added benefit of being a much healthier alternative to tobacco.

Changes have previously been made to make the tobacco cigarette more fire-safe but have encountered vast amounts of criticism.

In 2004, the Government introduced the Fire-Safe Cigarette Law, this requires tobacco cigs to demonstrate a greater likelihood of self-extinguishing when put through a number of laboratory tests. The law is in force in the majority of states and will be apparent in every state and the District of Columbia by 2012.

The fire-safe tobacco cig is made of two or three thicker bands of less-porous paper, these bands are glued together using ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion based adhesive, also used as carpet glue. The use of the glue has been widely criticised with consumers complaining that its use sums up the Government and Tobacco Industry’s lack lustre thoughts which seem to follow ‘as cigarettes contain many potent chemicals then one more wouldn’t hurt.’ That’s not the only way fire-safe cigs are failing smokers, statistics show that fired related deaths have not been as drastically reduced as expected.

The first line of attack was from a Dr Mike Feinstein from the American Lung Association, who made some seriously anti e-cig statements in a frighteningly unscientific and general way. His claims against tobaccoless cigarettes were based upon the following criticism: “People are inhaling some type of chemical vaporized compound into their lungs without really knowing what's in it."

Responsible electronic cigarette companies do know what is in their vapor; it is also clearly listed on most packs. In some countries, such as the UK, there has been rigorous compliance put in place by trading standards and the trade body ECITA. What Dr Feinstein claims is simply not true, the ingredients are known, the ingredients are listed and the ingredients are safe.

The main ingredients in an electronic cigarette cartridge are food flavourings, nicotine and Propylene Glycol. Propylene Glycol has been used in asthma inhalers since the 1950’s and the FDA has also listed it as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Nicotine in small quantities is utilized frequently by the medical profession, as demonstrated by the fact that Doctors are happy to prescribe patches, gums and sprays that deliver very similar amounts as an e cig! We absolutely do not know what chemicals are in a tobacco cigarette. We do know however, that there are over 4000 chemicals released when burning a tobacco cigarette including 50 carcinogens. It is these products that electronic cigarettes offer an alternative to. 

Dr Finstein is also at odds with the American Association of Public Health Physicians who supports Electronic Cigarettes and believes that the effects of passive smoking will be also significantly decreased by the use of e-cigs.

The second Doctor used in the controversial article was Doctor Robert Greene, Greene simply stated that they may or may not contain doses of nicotine that could be too high.

E Cig manufacturers who are part of the UK trade organization ECITA have committed to clear labelling and compliance with trading standards. They all state clearly the amount of nicotine contained in their E Tips and cartridges, this also common practice in other countries including the USA.

So where is this campaign emanating from? Bad research? Sloppy journalism?  Or is it an attempt by tobacco companies and pharmaceutical giants to spread misinformation and discredit products that are threatening their profits? I will let you draw your own conclusions, but be mindful that tobacco manufacturers are seriously concerned at the impact of electronic cigarettes, and pharmaceutical companies know that they are a more effective alternative to tobacco than gums and patches!

The 37ft impressive ‘beast’ was revealed at last week’s launch party held at Devon’s iconic Island Street Bar. Decked in the distinguishable red and white E-Lites branding, the powerboat sends nostalgic messages with its design resembling some of the great Formula One car designs of yester-year.

E-Lites really want to make their mark on the Powerboat community and couldn’t be more excited to be partnered up with BananaShark. BananaShark have an impress back-log of successes including; six British championships as a constructor, a Formula One British Championship and a pair of speed records at the hands of lynchpin John Cooke.

Adrian Everett, one of the founding directors of E-Lites, said: “We’re hugely passionate about the powerboat scene and delighted to be getting involved in a way that reflects the energy and enthusiasm we put into our market-leading products. That winning mentality should stand us in good stead for the many challenges we have set ourselves as a powerboat team.

The adrenalin filled summer schedule starts with the UIM Marathon Classic the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race on 24-26 August. Followed by an appearance at the Class 3B World Championship in Torquay on 1-4 September where, as official sponsors, the E-Lites boat will be the official start and finish boat for all three races of the World Championship event.

The boat will then take pride of place at the flagship Southampton Boat Show, where it will be the Feature Boat for the final three days of the event from 23-25 September. Then, the grand finally, it’s on to smash the world record for water speed on Lake Coniston in October...the UK's scenic Lake District makes for the perfect setting to do just that!

BananaShark’s John Cooke says: “I’m extremely proud to be standing alongside E-Lites and launching such a fantastic powerboat after almost 18 months of development. Working with a number of technical partners including marine electronics company Raymarine and engine importer E P Barrus, we believe we’ve created a craft that will challenge the very best in terms of speed and reliability, which is the key to successful endurance racing. We have already planned a great deal of activity over the next year and there’s a lot more to come so watch this space!”

Training then starts for next year’s adventure. The mammoth RB12 Round Britain campaign, this ultimate challenge will see the team take on a 1,700 tour of the Great British coastline...incredible. GOOD LUCK E-Lites!

New York City and New Jersey stations already have similar bans in place as the Government continues to develop New York’s outdoor smoking ban to make the city a cleaner and healthier environment.

The governor states: "It is important that commuters are not unwillingly subject to the dangers of second-hand smoke while waiting on train platforms. Exposure to second-hand smoke can lead to serious health problems for non-smokers and this law will make outdoor MTA train platforms, ticketing and boarding areas a cleaner, healthier place for all commuters."

Tobacco smoking New Yorkers are already annoyed with the changes which imply that their ‘wisps’ of second-hand smoke could be harmful to their fellow non-smoking passengers.

This is unsurprising as recent surveys revealed 59% of smokers thought that the outdoor smoking ban in public places is a bad idea. However 69% of New Yorkers support the ban, 45% believe that it’s working and 64% would recommend the ban to other cities.

NYC Health Commissioner, Dr Thomas Farley, is impressed with these statistics: “I am delighted to learn of New Yorkers’ overwhelming support of our smoke-free parks, plazas and beaches legislation. The endorsement goes beyond just the approval rate: a majority of New Yorkers would recommend this type of legislation to other cities and towns. Smoke-free is clearly the preferred way to enjoy our parks and beaches. For those New Yorkers who have not quit smoking yet, we strongly encourage you call 311 for help.”

We strongly sugggest that anyone upset with the ban should purchase themselve some E-Lites, then they can smoke anywhere!

The nine warnings have been FDA approved and will cover half of the front, back and sides of tobacco products packaging. The images will also have to constitute 20% of tobacco advertising over 12-inches. All warnings will also include the 1-800-QUIT-NOW contact line.

Four of the five tobacco companies are now appealing to judges to stop the changes going ahead, claiming the alterations go against their free speech rights. Tobacco companies complain the transformation will no longer convey the facts or allow consumers to make an informed decision about smoking. The new changes may also cost them millions doing the re-design of up to 50% of their labels to ensure they meet the federal requirements.

The unsettling images include a sewn-up dead body, a man smoking through a hole in his throat, and some diseased lungs. All are finished off with different warning slogans emphasising varying cautions into the dangers of smoking tobacco, including second-hand smoke and tobacco’s links to disease and death.

Current warnings on tobacco packaging have been slammed as too small, ineffective and out of date. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told reports: “We have about 4,000 people under 18 who try their first cigarette and about 1,000 of them become permanent smokers. And that’s not good for our county.”

Sebelius reiterated the fact that tobacco smoking was the number one cause of preventable death throughout America and said the main goal was to stop children from picking up the smoking habit whilst encouraging smokers to quit. She continues: "With these warnings, every person who picks up a pack of cigarettes is going to know exactly what risk they're taking.”

If you're put off by the disturbing images coming your way and don’t want your picture going on the front of your favorite cigs then it’s time to switch to E-Lites!

The research, called “time to first cigarette”, found that smokers who lit up within the first 30 minutes of waking up are 79% more likely to develop cancer than those who would wait until at least an hour. The study, published in the journal Cancer, looked at 7,610 smokers. 4,776 of the participants had lung cancer and 2,835 did not.

Further studies by the same journal analysed 1,850 smokers, 1,055 of which had head and neck cancer. This study found that 59% of smokers who sparked up less than 30 minutes after waking up were 59% more like to develop a tumor.

The data was still present even after they adjusted other statistics e.g. number of cigarettes smoked per day. Although the studies could not conclude morning smokers are more susceptible to cancer, it is thought that people of smoke just after waking up tend to approach the cigarette more intensely.

Officials believe this decline is due to the drop in the number of young adults (18-24 year olds) picking up the tobacco smoking habit. One USC student described the general consensus towards smoking tobacco as “a poor life decision”.

Poles from Washington D.C. also state that smokers' concerns over their own health is now at a record high with every two in three tobacco smokers agreeing that their smoking lifestyle is “very harmful”.

The news arrives just after ex-governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger is slapped with a €200 fine for lighting up a cigar at airports in Salzburg and Graz, Vienna. Arnie should have taken follow to the E-Lites craze shaking California and switched to electronic cigarettes, and then he could ‘terminate’ any of those cancerous chemicals entering his body via tobacco.

Over 25.6 million people still smoke tobacco in the U.S, with over 440,000 smoke-related deaths per year; this is costing over $150 billion in healthcare. We’re hoping that as E-Lites are most popular in California, that not only the 11.9% of tobacco smoking Californians, but also the rest of America (including Mr Schwarzenegger), will twig that E-Lites electronic cigarettes are the way forward.

On the recent romantic trip around Lake Michigan with Aussie boyfriend Liam Hensworth, Miley looked increasingly separate from her ‘Hannah Montana’ character with a couple sneaky tattoos and few too many cigarettes.

Miley’s singing voice, one of her major claims to fame, will surely be affected by her smoking habit as she fills her lungs with the dregs of tobacco cigarettes. In her autobiography ‘Miles To Go’ she writes: “I would never smoke… I always say that for me, smoking would be like smashing my guitar and expecting it to play. I’d never do that to my voice, not to mention the rest of my body.”

Miley looked cracking in her grey bikini and exceptionally happy with and relaxed with 21-year-old beau Liam and The City star Erin Lucas. She even tweeted ‘Lake day with @erin_lucas and our bfs : ).’ Miley would appear to be living the good life right now, why ruin it by risking your health with tobacco cigs? Miley you need to switch to E-Lites!

Currently the Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association (ECITA) is trying to increase the rights of E-cig users throughout the UK whilst educating governing bodies into the benefits of electronic cigarettes.

Here at E-Lites we think it is important for E-cig users to know the facts...

E-Lites contain liquid nicotine, tobacco flavouring and propylene glycol, that’s it! E-cig smokers are warned that nicotine is a highly addictive drug, however the tobacco flavouring and propylene glycol have been tried and tested and are highly unlikely to present any health threats.

We can’t speak for every electronic cigarette brand, but E-Lites offer a harm reducing, pleasant alternative to traditional smoking, with massively reduced risk since there is no combustion. It is the combustion of tobacco cigarettes – the burning process – which causes all the carcinogenic by-products to be taken into the body. Electronic cigarettes merely vaporise a liquid, with no combustion at all. 

E-Lites are not marketed as smoking cessation devices; rather they are intended as an alternative recreational product for committed smokers over the age of 18 replacing harmful tobacco cigarettes. When lighting tobacco cigarettes more than 4000 chemicals (including tar, carbon monoxide, arsenic) and 60 known carcinogens (cancer causing agents) are released.

Professor Michael Siegel (Professor in Dept of Community Health Sciences at Boston University) has independently demonstrated that ecigs are approximately 99% safer, i.e. less harmful to health, than tobacco cigarettes...So why hide these away from public rather than encourage tobacco cigarette smokers to convert to e-cigs?

WRONG!  Apparently Mr Michael Douglas believes he can defy nature and the grim reaper by going back to old faithful tobacco cigarettes after being cleared of throat cancer just months earlier.

Michael was caught with, what appears to be, a tobacco cigarette following being cleared of stage-4 throat cancer. He underwent a gruelling series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments just last year, however he has confessed in the past to both smoking and drinking problems.

Gorgeous wife Katherine Zeta Jones has announced she will be using electronic cigarettes over normal tobacco cigs after watching Michael battle throat cancer. Let’s hope he jumps on the benefits of E-cigs and makes the tobaccoless transition soon, and for good!

Of course, here at E-Lites we would happily let you vape whenever and wherever you liked. But we do need to stress that unfortunately electronic cigarettes are still banned from most internal flights within the US, and when going abroad do remember to check with your airline carrier if you can use your e-cig aboard their flight.

 It’s also worth noting that some people, including airline staff, are allergic to nuts!

During the 2008 presidential campaign he vowed to quit smoking for good and finally succeeded it seems. Earlier this year, Michelle revealed that he had quit the previous year.

“He’s always wanted to stop,” the First Lady explained, adding that the President had been motivated by a desire to be honest with his daughters Malia and Sasha about quitting.

Other heads of state have been noticeably more reluctant to forego their habit. President Benigno C. Aquino III of the Philippines, for example, has caused controversy in his country by continuing to smoke and failing to support anti-smoking campaigns.

Earlier this week, Oscar D Tinio of the Philippine Medical Association lambasted the Filipino President’s reluctance to quit. He told the Manila Standard Today: “What concerns us at the moment are the insistent rumblings pointing to the possibility that as long as President Aquino still smokes, the tobacco control program of the government, including our country’s international commitments on the World Health Organization-Framework Convention on Tobacco Control treaty, will be left out to rot in the abyss.”

Strong words indeed. Perhaps it’s time someone sent President Aquino a pack of electronic cigarettes?

“Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy.”

But how much attention is really paid to these and other warnings? However well intentioned health warnings may be, it’s very easy for such phrases to loose their shock value and for busy smokers to begin ignoring them. Perhaps something more startling is needed to shake tobacco fans out of their complacency?

That was the theory behind one measure in the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, set to come into force in 2012. From next year, cigarette manufacturers must begin adding graphic images to their packs, including diseased lungs and tracheotomy incisions.

Ohio newspaper The Springfield News-Sun polled reactions to the new packaging regulations, in the light of the state’s decision to sharply reduce funding for anti-smoking campaigns despite a comparatively high rate of smoking amongst the adult population (22 per cent).

Reactions were skeptical. Dayton tobacconist Ed Alkhateeb told the paper: “It won’t make any difference. They have had those same kinds of pictures on packs in Europe and the Middle East for more than five years. I travel back and forth often. People who smoked there still smoke.”

Customer Robert Payne tellingly added: “It won’t change anything for people like me who have been smoking for years. It might deter younger kids from doing it, but it might not have stopped me. I started at 16 because other kids were doing it.”

Health campaigners will monitor smoking rates and sales with interest when the new warning images begin to appear on cigarette packs. Meanwhile electronic cigarette users will continue to enjoy their products, happily unconcerned by the controversy.

The appeal to the average teen is straightforward: electronic cigarettes are much cheaper and yet still retain something of the rebellious glamour of conventional cigarettes. Plus, for smarter teens, there is another attraction: simply put, electronic cigarettes are not cigarettes in the conventional sense of the term. Just as public smoking bans do not apply to electronic cigarettes because they do not contain tobacco or involve combustion of any kind, teenagers puffing on electronic cigarettes cannot be punished on the basis of existing smoking bans.

This leaves school administrators with an awkward dilemma. Should they ban electronic cigarettes as a dubious distraction from the important business of learning and passing exams? If they do so, they will need to create new rules specifically for electronic cigarettes – but such rules will leave them open to accusations that they are discriminating against serious smokers trying to protect their health.

The Western School District in Jackson County, Michigan is one school district planning to take a hard line on electronic cigarettes - earlier this month a revised policy banning electronic cigarettes received its first reading. The plan has received mixed responses, with some readers writing to local newspaper the Jackson Citizen Patriot to express their opposition to a ban.

David B Smith told the paper:

"Are you kidding me? So, instead of encouraging teens who are using this because they want to kick the habit, they are going to outlaw this too. Forcing them back into the hidden crevices of the school to smoke real cigarettes? Gimme a break!"

But others were supportive. A reader calling themselves ‘chrisde’ said:

“Good call, Western School District. We don't want our kids drinking near-beer on school grounds either, so why would we want them inhaling e-cigs that contain nicotine? I applaud your decision."

Other Michigan school districts are not yet considering a ban.

Here’s something to think about the next time you switch on your electronic cigarettes and enjoy a relaxing puff – when governments restrict the activities of tobacco companies to protect public health, are they in fact infringing the companies’ right to free speech?

Free speech is one of the most fundamental and treasured components of the US political system, and it is one which has provoked much debate over the centuries.

But where does free speech end and corporate exploitation begin? That is question currently being contemplated by the 6^th Circuit. A group of tobacco companies have challenged the ban on sponsoring athletic, social and cultural events introduced under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, claiming that the restriction infringes their rights to free speech.

In a pre-hearing brief, tobacco company attorney Kenly Ames, claimed that the ben serves no purpose beyond making it more difficult for conventional cigarette manufacturers to sell their products.

Ames’ claim was rejected by Justice Department Attorney Alisa B Klein, who claimed in response that the restriction was needed to help discourage new customers from taking up smoking. Event sponsorship “seeks to distract potential users from the fact that tobacco products are lethal and addictive”, she proclaimed.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act was passed by the House of Representatives in 2009. It gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a range of new powers to regulate the tobacco industry.

Its provisions include:

*Powers enabling the FDA to control the recipes, sale and marketing of tobacco cigarettes and cigars. Tobacco manufacturers are obliged to declare all ingredients in their products and obtain FDA approval for any new ones.

*A requirement that warning labels cover 50 per cent of the front and back of a pack, and that they include the word ‘warning’ in capital letters.

Of course these restrictions do not apply to electronic cigarette manufacturers.

The Doctors show recently reviewed electronic cigarettes as a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco...and approved! Thousands of Americans watched as electronic cigarettes were put through paces and tested by the doctors and members of the public. As Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine but without any tar, tobacco or chemicals they were given the thumbs up from the doctors as a way to swap smoking tobacco cigarettes with a cleaner, cheaper version you can smoke anywhere! 

E-Lites electronic cigarettes launched the latest electronic smoking technology at the Orlando Gift Show and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show

There has been much media coverage about the regulation of cigarettes; however an exciting new product has come to the market which will revolutionize the smoking habit of millions of people…. E-Lites Electronic Cigarettes.

Now you will be able to enjoy your ‘cigarette’ without the fear of smoking tobacco or tar. This is what smokers have been waiting for, a product that will enable them to get the nicotine kick they crave without all the ‘nasty stuff’ they don’t need. 

E-Lites Electronic Cigarettes are made-up of a battery, a nicotine cartridge and a heating element that look and feel just like the real thing. The ‘smoker’ exhales vapor which resembles smoke but is in fact a completely harmless mist, produced by the ‘atomizer’ which heats the liquid inside the filter.

No more dirty ashtrays or harmful passive smoke 

The psychological and physiological experience achieved by smoking E-Lites Electronic Cigarettes is second to none, and the tobacco flavor is the ‘Most Authentic’ currently available. One unique feature of the E-Lites E-Pro is that the pack actually recharges your battery on the move, meaning you never run out of power whilst away from home.

This wonderful invention is gradually sweeping the World, fueled by all the hype about the health issues and expense of harmful tobacco products.

The E-Lites brand, designed and created in the United Kingdom, now available in the USA and Canada utilizes the latest 2011 atomizing and battery technology available to compliment E-Lites clear market distinction as a premium product.

Apart from the healthier option, E-Lites are much cheaper than tobacco products. For instance once you have the kit, refill filters work out to be approximately 70% cheaper than tobacco products! Filters are available in Regular / Light & Menthol, as well as ‘Zero Nicotine’ for those wanting to quit nicotine entirely, but still find the habit of holding a cigarette too difficult to let go.

There is an entry level Electronic Cigarette for the budget conscious consumer coming soon, and a specialist ‘Smoking Cessation’ pack will also be available in time for Christmas 2009.

 E-Lites are available with a green light to clearly differentiate them from tobacco cigarettes in a restaurant, bar, club etc and a red light for use in unrestricted locations.

Larger companies with many staff can benefit greatly by allowing the use of electronic cigarettes at work, as ‘smoking’ Electronic Cigarettes means no more leaving the office desk to ‘have a quick puff’. Management are now allowing these ‘cigarettes’ to be ‘smoked’ right at their desk and have noticed that staff are able to concentrate and work better as a result of being able to satisfy the nicotine craving whilst they work, as well as working more hours and bringing equality of break-times back into the work place.

Electronic Cigarettes have been slowly gaining momentum throughout Europe and the Middle East over the past few years but it is only now that Electronic Cigarettes are being recognized as the truly healthier way to ‘smoke’ if you really need to.

Welcome to E-Lites USA, and our brand new website!

Our newly designed site has been created to provide both old and new customers a vast information resource on electronic cigarettes - plus of course the opportunity to buy our great new range of electronic cigarettes.

Please let us know what you think! We'd love to hear your thoughts on our new site, plus any comments or suggestions that you have! You can use the comments form within this post, or feel free to e-mail us at info@e-lites.org.

Thank you for visiting and happy E-Liting!