A shop in Windang, NSW, is claiming that sales of electronic cigarettes are increasing at a rapid rate.
E-cigs which are composed of a rechargable battery, a cylinder shaped device with a flavoured liquid inside, is then inhaled like a real cigarette and a vapour is exhaled which does not contain any toxins, the by-product being just a water vapour.
However, although the e-cig is known to have helped a huge number of people quit smoking, it is only getting by the health authorities in Australia because it cannot be marketed as a smoking cessation device, and because it does not contain nicotine. In most parts of the world, e-cigs do contain nicotine, which can be reduced gradually to help the user overcome their nicotine addiction.
The owner of the shop in Windang, says that the many Hollywood endorsements of e-cigs seen recently, together with word of mouth recommendations have helped the sales considerably.
He further states that many of his sales are coming as a result of doctors referrals. A local doctor has been quoted as saying that e-cigs do not cause heart attacks or lung cancer, and although the long term effects are not known, at least the ex-smoker is likely to live long enough to find out if there are any!
The Department of Health in Australia is considering whether it should regulate e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, but seems undecided if any review will include nicotine-free products.
