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An electric cigarette, or e-cigarette, can be an electrical device that simulates the act of tobacco smoking by producing an inhaled vapor bearing the physical sensation, appearance, and frequently the flavor and nicotine content of inhaled tobacco smoke, without its odor or, basically, its health threats. These devices uses heat (or in some instances, ultrasonics) to vaporize a propylene glycol- or glycerin-based liquid solution in to an aerosol mist, like the way a nebulizer or humidifier vaporizes solutions for inhalation.

The device's components usually add a small liquid reservoir, a heating element, and a power source, which might be a battery or perhaps a wired USB adapter. Most electric cigarettes are portable, self-contained cylindrical devices in varying sizes, and many are designed to outwardly resemble traditional cigarettes. Most are also reusable, with replaceable and refillable components, while some models are disposable. Liquids that produce vapor for e cigarettes can be purchased in a variety of flavor varieties and nicotine concentrations, including nicotine-free versions. You can buy electric cigarettes from http://www.smokegreen.eu

The primary stated usage of the electronic cigarette is definitely an option to tobacco smoking, or perhaps a smoking cessation device: It endeavors to deliver the knowledge of smoking without the adverse health effects usually connected with tobacco smoke, or even to at least help reduce those risks.

The possible benefits or undesireable effects of electronic cigarette use are a subject of disagreement among different health businesses and researchers. Controlled studies of electric cigarettes are scarce for their relatively recent invention and subsequent rapid growth in popularity. Laws governing the use and sale of electric cigarettes, along with the accompanying liquid solutions, currently vary widely, with pending legislation and ongoing debate in lots of regions. Concerns have been raised by anti-smoking groups that usage of these devices still may carry health threats and that it could interest non-smokers, especially kiddies, [1] due to its novelty, flavorings, and perhaps overstated claims of safety. [2][3][4][5]

The modern electronic cigarette's design was devised by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003, although earliest known description of its concept was authored by Herbert A. Gilbert in 1963. Contents [hide]

1 Origins 2 Components 2 . 1 Cartridge 2 . 2 Atomizer 2 . 3 Cartomizer 2 . 4 Power source and electronics 3 Liquids 3. 1 Flavors 3. 2 Nicotine 3. 3 Bases 4 Health concerns 4. 1 Food and Drug Administration 4. 2 American Association of Public Health Physicians 4. 3 Health Canada 4. 4 World Health Organization 4. 5 Health New Zealand Ltd. study 4. 6 Boston University School of Public Health study 4. 7 Other reports 4. 8 Other safety problems 5 Legal history 5. 1 Eu 5. 2 United states 6 Current legal status by country 6. 1 The European Economic Area 6. 2 United states 6. 3 Other countries 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Origins

The electronic cigarette concept first appeared in a patent acquired by Herbert A. Gilbert in 1963. [6] These devices was referred to as, "... a smokeless non-tobacco cigarette... to provide a safe and harmless opportinity for and approach to smoking by replacing burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air... " Because of the limitations of technology offered by the time, and because tobacco had not been yet broadly speaking accepted as harmful, this product never reached manufacturing.

The modern electronic cigarette was invented by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003 and introduced to the market the next year. The business that he worked for, Golden Dragon Holdings, changed its name to Ruyan (meaning "to resemble smoking"), and started exporting its products in 2005-2006, [7] before receiving the initial international patent in 2007. [8] [edit] Components A disassembled cigarette-styled electronic cigarette. A. LIGHT EMITTING DIODE light cover B. battery (also houses circuitry) C. atomizer (heating element) D. cartridge (mouthpiece)

Electric cigarettes all share three essential components:

A "cartridge" that serves as a mouthpiece and usually doubles as a small reservoir holding the liquid that's to be vaporized. An "atomizer" that serves while the heating element in charge of vaporizing the liquid. A power supply, which in portable models is a battery. Other electronic components necessary for operation are housed within the power unit.

A "cartomizer" option can be acquired for most models that replaces the split up cartridge and atomizer components with a single built-in piece. This program is disposable, in place of standalone atomizers which are reusable and comparatively expensive.

Most reusable electronic cigarette components are manufactured in accordance with some standard due to their threaded (screw-on) fittings, making them interchangeable. Current (June 2011) dominating attachment standards include the 510 and 808D. Nearly all components are manufactured to match these models. [edit] Cartridge

The cartridge is a small, usually disposable plastic container, with openings on each end. One end is positioned in the user's mouth, as the other attaches to the atomizer (heating element).

This component serves as both a liquid reservoir and mouthpiece, and as such, must permit the passage of liquid to the atomizer, in addition to vapor from the atomizer back to the user's mouth, without allowing liquid in to the mouth. This is usually accomplished via an absorbent sponge-like material to help keep the liquid set up, resting on a plastic barrier splitting up it from the mouth-end opening; The mouthpiece casing is designed with side channels that allow vapor to pass from the atomizer, round the liquid chamber, to the mouth-end opening.

Once the liquid in a cartridge has been depleted, an individual can usually select from refilling it, or replacing it with another pre-filled cartridge.

Some users forgo the use of liquid reservoirs altogether, and "drip" liquid directly onto the atomizer. This technique has aptly become referred to as "dripping". Some manufacturers have responded to this practice by creating special mouthpieces that are intended primarily to help ease use by the dripping method. [edit] Atomizer A battery linked to a USB charger. A personal charging case, or PCC.

The atomizer may be the heating element in charge of vaporizing the liquid, and generally includes a simple filament and wicking metal mesh to draw the liquid in. It really is situated in the biggest market of the three components that make up the entire electronic cigarette cylinder, while the cartridge attaches to 1 end, and the power unit to the other. The atomizer's filament will lose efficiency over time because of buildup of sediment, or "burns out" entirely, requiring replacement. This creates among the primary recurring expenses connected with electric cigarettes. [edit] Cartomizer

To cope with atomizer degradation and the associated expense, manufacturers introduced an integral cartridge/atomizer component that's more cheaply produced, referred to as a cartomizer. When their heating elements degrade, they can be removed and replaced more cheaply than standalone atomizers. Cartomizers may also be cleaned and reused that may extend their useful whole life. Tanks are also found in association with cartomizers to improve their capacity. A cartomizer is built-in the plastic or glass tank which feeds liquid to the cartomizer as it's used via small holes. [edit] Power source and electronics

Most portable power units contain a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, while wired units usually draw power through a USB connection. The housing for the power source and electronic circuitry is normally the biggest element of an electric cigarette.

This unit may contain an electric airflow sensor, in the case of "automatic" electric cigarettes, in order that activation is triggered by just drawing breath through the device. Other "manual" electronic cigarette power units are constructed of a button that activates the heating element, and must be held during operation. A timed cutoff switch to avoid overheating, and/or a colored Resulted in announce activation, can also be contained in the power unit casing.

Like most gadgets, chargers of several different types are for sale to electronic cigarette batteries, such as AC outlet, car, and USB. Some manufacturers also provide a "Portable Charging Case, " or "PCC": a portable case which has a large battery, which charges smaller batteries withindividual e-cigarettes. PCCs tend to be made to resemble traditional cigarette packs. [edit] Liquids

Liquids used to produce vapor in electric cigarettes are widely sold both as split up bottled products, for use with refillable cartridges so when pre-filled disposable cartridges. Bottled liquid comes under a variety of names, including "e-liquid", "e-juice", and "nicotine solution".

Contents of liquid solutions vary, but their common aspects include water and flavorings in a propylene glycol or glycerin base. Nicotine can be contained in solutions intended to fulfil a nicotine replacement role. Whole Tobacco Alkaloids (WTA) have already been introduced in to e-liquids. Some users find that e-liquids with WTA provide an experience that more closely resembles smoking than e-liquids that do not contain the additives. Whole Tobacco Alkaloids are stated in an activity much like which used to purify nicotine generally. [edit] Flavors

Hundreds of different flavor varieties can be found. Some try to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol, plus some even claim to mimic specific cigarette brands, such as Marlboro or Camel. A wide variety of food flavors are also sold, from the traditional (vanilla, coffee, cola) to the more exotic (strawberry daiquiri, Boston cream pie). [edit] Nicotine

Liquid solutions containing nicotine can be purchased in differing nicotine concentrations to match user preference. Dosing nomenclatures aren't standardized and vary by manufacturer, but tend towards the following rough figures:

Liquids thought to contain "low" doses of nicotine tend to correspond to a nicotine concentration of between 6 - 9 mg/ml (milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of liquid). "Midrange" or "medium" doses tend to correspond to a nicotine concentration of 10-17 mg/ml. "High" doses tend to correspond to a nicotine concentration of aprox 18-22 mg/ml. "Extra-high" doses tend to correspond to a nicotine concentration of 24-36 mg/ml.

Actual numerical nicotine concentration ratings are usually printed on liquid containers or cartridge packaging. Often, the standard notation "mg/ml" is shortened to a simple "mg". [9] Nicotine-free solutions are also a widely offered option. [edit] Bases

Flavors and nicotine are dissolved in hygroscopic components, which turn the water in the solution into a smoke-like vapor when heated. Popular hygroscopic components include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and polyethylene glycol 400 (often sold under the abbreviations PG, VG, and PEG 400, respectively).

Safety of liquid bases

All three liquid bases are normal food additives found in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Propylene glycol, the existing dominating liquid base, has been employed in asthma inhalers and nebulizers because the 1950s, and due to its water-retaining properties, may be the compound of choice for delivering atomized medication. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes propylene glycol on its set of substances Generally Named Safe (GRAS), also it meets the requirements of acceptable compounds within Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. [edit] Health concerns Medical effects of using e cigarettes are unknown. A few studies regarding the long-term health effects of nicotine vapor, both inhaled directly and used, are happening, although it must be noted that used sidestream smoke is non-existent due to on-demand operation and that vapor is generated in place of smoke. [edit] Food and Drug Administration

In-may 2009, the food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis tested the contents of 19 varieties of electronic cigarette cartridges made by two vendors (NJoy and Smoking Everywhere). [10] Diethylene glycol was detected in one of the cartridges manufactured by Smoking Everywhere. [10] Additionally, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), known cancer-causing agents, were detected in every of the cartridges in one brand and two of the cartridges from the other brand. The study found that the specific nicotine levels didn't always correspond to the quantity of nicotine the cartridges purported to contain. [10] The analysis found traces of nicotine in a few cartridges that claimed to be nicotine-free. [10] Further concerns were raised over inconsistent levels of nicotine delivered when drawing on the device. [11] In July 2009, the FDA issued a press release discouraging the use of electric cigarettes and repeating previously stated concerns that electric cigarettes may be marketed to teenagers and lack appropriate health warnings. [12]

The Electronic Cigarette Association said that the FDA testing was too "narrow to attain any valid and reliable conclusions. ”[10] Exponent, Inc., commissioned by NJOY to examine the FDA's study in July 2009, objected to the FDA analysis of electric cigarettes lacking comparisons to other FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products where similar levels of TSNA were detected. Exponent concluded that the FDA's study didn't support the claims of potential adverse health effects from the usage of electric cigarettes. [13] Moreover, FDA techniques "have been lambasted in journals" by some medical and health research experts who noted the potentially harmful chemicals were measured at "about one million times lower concentrations than are conceivably linked to human health. ”[14] [edit] American Association of Public Health Physicians

By April 2010, The American Association of Public Health Physicians (AAPHP) supports electric cigarettes sales to adults, "because the chance exists to save lots of the lives of four million of the eight million current adult American smokers who'll otherwise die of a tobacco-related disease on the next twenty years. " But the AAPHP is against sales to minors. [15] The AAPHP recommends that the FDA reclassify the electronic cigarette as a tobacco product (as opposed to a drug/device combination). [16][17] [edit] Health Canada

On 27 March 2009, Health Canada issued an advisory against electric cigarettes. The advisory stated "Although these electronic smoking products may be marketed as a safer option to conventional tobacco products and, in some instances, as an aid to quitting smoking, electronic smoking products may pose risks such as nicotine poisoning and addiction. "[18] [edit] World Health Organization

The world Health Organization stated in September 2008 that to its knowledge, "no rigorous, peer-reviewed studies have been conducted showing that the electronic cigarette is really a safe and effective nicotine replacement therapy. Would you not discount the chance that the electronic cigarette could possibly be useful as a smoking cessation aid. " WHO Tobacco Free Initiative director ad interim Douglas Bettcher stated that claims that electric cigarettes can help smokers quit need to be supported by clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the correct regulatory framework. He added: "Until they do that, WHO can't think about the electronic cigarette to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, also it certainly can't accept false suggestions that it has approved and endorsed the product. "[19]

This year, the Tobacco Regulation meeting held in Uruguay arrived with warnings about electric cigarettes. Signatories of the meeting's treaty included representatives of countries and regions such as Brazil, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia, where e cigarettes have been barred. [citation needed]

The secretariat of the meeting refused and stated that electric cigarettes usually do not violate articles 9 and 10 of the framework convention for tobacco control regarding composition (toxins, carcinogens, harm to self) or emissions (second hand smoke or harm to others). The secretariat stated that the problems regarding electric cigarettes relate solely to regulatory issues rather than to the work that the convention is tasked with. In the memo, they also mentioned that electric cigarettes can be viewed as a medical product only when the marketer wanted to make medical claims, otherwise they've been a tobacco product. [citation needed] [edit] Health New Zealand Ltd. study

In 2008, Doctor Murray Laugesen, of Health New Zealand, published a written report on the safety of Ruyan electronic cigarette cartridges funded by e-cigarette manufacturer, Ruyan; Laugesen and the WHO declare that the research is independent. [20] The presence of trace levels of TSNAs in the cartridge solution was documented in the analysis. The outcomes also indicated that the degree of nicotine in the electronic cigarette cartridges had not been not the same as the concentration of nicotine within nicotine patches. [20] John Britton, a lung specialist at the University of Nottingham, UK and chair of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group said “if the levels are as low as in nicotine replacement therapy, I don’t think you will see a lot of a problem. ”[20] The study's step-by-step quantitative analysis concluded that carcinogens and toxicants are present only below harmful levels. It concluded: "Based on the manufacturer’s information, the composition of the cartridge liquid is not hazardous to health, if used as intended. "[21] [edit] Boston University School of Public Health study

A study by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health this year concluded that electric cigarettes were safer than real cigarettes and may assist in breaking the habit of smoking. Researchers said that while further studies on electric cigarettes were needed, "[f]ew, if any, chemicals at levels detected in electric cigarettes raise serious health concerns. " Electric cigarettes were found to be "much safer" than traditional tobacco ones, and had an even of toxicity much like existing nicotine replacements. [22][23][24]

In the report, the amount of carcinogens in electric cigarettes was found to be around 1, 000 times less than regular cigarettes. In addition, it said early evidence suggests that electric cigarettes can help visitors to stop smoking by simulating a tobacco cigarette. [22][23] [edit] Other reports

In accordance with Cancer Research UK, "For a smoker, medical hazards of continuing to smoke greatly outweigh any potential risks of using nicotine replacement therapy". [25]

A written report from a UK Government advisory unit favoured to look at "smokeless nicotine cigarettes" rather than the traditional "quit or die" approach believing this might save yourself more lives. [26]

While electric cigarettes are purported to deliver nicotine to the user in a manner much like that of a nicotine inhaler, no electronic cigarette has yet been approved as a medicinal nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product or provided the required clinical testing for such approval. Doubts are also raised concerning whether electric cigarettes actually deliver any substantial number of nicotine at all. [27]

Research carried out at the University of East London on the effects of the use of an electric cigarette to lessen cravings in regular tobacco smokers showed that there was no significant reported huge difference between smokers who inhaled vapour containing nicotine, and those who inhaled vapour containing no nicotine. The report concluded that although electric cigarettes could be effective in reducing nicotine-related withdrawal symptoms, the nicotine content does not be seemingly of central importance, and that other smoking related cues (such as taste, vapour resembling smoke) may take into account the reduction in discomfort connected with tobacco abstinence in the short term. [28][29]

Though manufacturers have marketed electric cigarettes in an effort to curtail an dependence on nicotine, [30] the world Health Organization has stated they know of no evidence confirming these claims. [31]

In an online survey from November 2009 among 303 smokers, it had been found that e-cigarette substitution for tobacco cigarettes resulted in reduced perceived health issues, in comparison with smoking mainstream cigarettes (less cough, improved capability to exercise, improved sense of taste and smell). [32] [edit] Other safety problems On Monday February 13, 2012, an electric cigarette exploded in the mouth of Tom Holloway causing him to reduce several teeth and section of his tongue. North Bay Fire District Chief Butch Parker explained a faulty battery was likely to blame for the explosion. [33] [edit] Legal history

Due to the relative novelty of the technology and the possible relationship to tobacco laws and medical drug policies, electronic cigarette legislation and public health investigations are pending in lots of countries. [edit] Eu The EU Directive 2001/95/EC(6) on general product safety, applies in so far as you can find no specific provisions with the same objective in other EU law. This directive offers restrictive or preventive measures to be taken if the merchandise is available to be dangerous to the health and safety of consumers.

Whether electric cigarettes could possibly be viewed as falling under Directive 93/42/EEC on medical devices depends upon the claimed intended use and whether this intended use includes a medical purpose. "It is for each national authority to decide, account being taken of all characteristics of the product, whether it falls within the definition of a medicinal product by its function or presentation. "[34]

Because of this vague EU position, member countries in the European Economic Area now have varying rules. [edit] United states Individual states have differing legal treatment of electric cigarettes.

On 22 September 2009, under the authorization of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the FDA barred flavored tobacco (with the notable exception of menthol cigarettes) due to its potential interest kiddies. [35] Wagner says that the usage of flavorings such as chocolate could encourage childhood use and serve as a gate way to using tobacco. [35]

The food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified electric cigarettes as drug delivery devices and at the mercy of regulation under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) ahead of importation to and sale in america. The classification was challenged in court, and overruled in January 2010 by Federal District Court Judge Richard J. Leon, citing that "the devices must be regulated as tobacco products in place of drug or medical products. "[36] Judge Leon ordered the FDA to avoid blocking the importation of electric cigarettes from China and indicated that the devices must be regulated as tobacco products in place of drug or medical devices. [37]

In March 2010, a US Court of Appeal stayed the injunction pending an appeal, where the FDA argued the right to regulate electric cigarettes based on their previous capability to regulate nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gum or patches. Further, the agency argued that tobacco legislation enacted the previous year "expressly excludes from the definition of 'tobacco product' any article that is clearly a drug, device or combination product under the FDCA, and that such articles shall be at the mercy of regulation under the pre-existing FDCA provisions. "[38] On 7 December 2010, the appeals court ruled contrary to the FDA in a 3-0 unanimous decision, ruling the FDA can only regulate electric cigarettes as tobacco products, and therefore can't block their import. [39] The judges ruled that such devices would only be at the mercy of drug legislation if they're marketed for therapeutic use - E-cigarette manufacturers had successfully proven that their products were targeted at smokers rather than at those seeking to quit. The District of Columbia Circuit appeals court declined to examine your choice blocking the products from FDA regulation as medical devices on 24 January 2011. [40]

Concerns about public safety have been raised. But some former smokers say they are helped by e-cigarettes, and boffins at the University of California, Berkeley said that e-cigarettes had great prospect of reducing the morbidity and mortality linked to smoking. [41] [edit] Current legal status by country [edit] The European Economic Area

In Denmark, the Danish Medicines Agency classifies electric cigarettes containing nicotine as medicinal products. Thus, authorization is necessary before the product may be marketed and sold, no such authorization has currently been given. The agency has clarified, but that electric cigarettes that do not administer nicotine to the user, and so are not otherwise useful for the prevention or treatment of disease, aren't considered medicinal devices. [42] The use of e cigarettes is not prohibited in Copenhagen Airport, but at least one airline (Scandinavian Airlines) has decided to ban their use up to speed flights. [43] In Finland, the National Supervisory Authority of Welfare and Health (Valvira) declared that the new tobacco marketing ban (effective 1 . 1 . 2012) may also cover electric cigarettes, [44] resulting in that Finnish stores or webstores can't advertise e-cigarettes since they might look like regular cigarettes. Theoretically, e-cigarettes with nicotine-free cartridges may be sold, so long as their images and prices aren't visible. Ordering from abroad remains allowed. Sale of nicotine cartridges is currently prohibited, as nicotine is considered a prescription drug requiring an authorization that such cartridges usually do not yet have. But the Finnish authorities have decided that nicotine cartridges containing significantly less than 10 mg nicotine, and e-liquid containing significantly less than 0, 42 g nicotine per bottle, may be legally earned from other countries for private use. If the nicotine content is higher, a prescription from a Finnish physician is necessary. From a country within the European Economic Area no more than one year's supply may be earned for private use when returning to Finland, while three months' supply may be earned from beyond your EEA. Mail order deliveries from EEA countries, for a maximum of three months' supply, are also allowed. [45][46] In Latvia, the Ministry of Health has warned that the e-cigarette could cause harm to cardiovascular, hepatic and renal systems, [47] but e-cigarettes are legal, and so are sold in most shopping malls and at Riga's airport, in addition to via the web to individuals at least 18 yrs. old. In the Netherlands, use and sale of electric cigarettes is allowed, but advertising is forbidden pending Eu legislation. [48] In Norway electric cigarettes and nicotine can only be imported from other EEA member states (e. g. the UK) for private use. [49] In Germany, sale of electric cigarettes and nicotine-containing cartridges is not forbidden. The electronic cigarette ban outspoken by the health minister of NRW on the press conference on 16th december 2011 is not a legally binding ban but simply exercised free speech. [50] In Austria nicotine-containing cartridges are classified as medicinal products and e-cigarettes for nicotine inhalation as medical devices. [51]

[edit] United states California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that could ban the sale of electric cigarettes within hawaii on grounds that "if adults desire to purchase and eat up the products with a knowledge of the associated health threats, they must be in a position to do so. "[52] In '09, Nj voted to treat the electronic cigarette in the same category as tobacco products by including under the Nj Smoke Free Air Act. Assemblywoman Connie Wagner sponsored the legislation arguing that they "looked like the real thing"; she also objected to the potential appeal of flavored electronic cigarettes to kiddies. [53] The sale of electric cigarettes to minors in New Hampshire was legal. A group of students and a group called “Breathe New Hampshire” were concerned that electric cigarettes will serve as a gate way to smoking cigarettes through coming across fashionable: one compared electric cigarettes to “having a fresh cellular phone. It’s cool. It’s electronic. ” They launched petitions to the state to ban the sale of electric cigarettes to minors. [54] It really is now illegal to market e-cigarettes to minors by July 2010. [55] Arizona has an in the offing ban of trying to sell electric cigarettes to minors. [56] In Washington, the King County board of health has barred smoking of electric cigarettes in public places, and prohibited sales to minors. [57] Neighboring Pierce County also prohibits sales to minors, but allows e-cigarette used in places such as bars and workplaces. [58] In Oregon in February 2012, a Continental Air companies flight was diverted back to its airport of origin whenever a passenger refused to avoid using his e-cigarette. The passenger was detained and charges are anticipated to be filed. [59] FAA have not ruled on E-cigarette use on airplanes, but air companies are permitted to determine their very own policies on E-cigarette use on planes.

[edit] Other countries

In Australia, the Federal Department of Health and Ageing classifies every form of nicotine, aside from replacement therapies and cigarettes, as a form of poison. [60][61] But in the state of Victoria, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said there have been no laws avoiding the importation of e-cigarettes bought over the internet for personal use, unless prohibited by state and territory legislation. [62] In Brazil, the sale, importation and advertisement of any kind of electric cigarettes are forbidden. The Brazilian health and sanitation federal agency, Anvisa, found the existing health safety assessments about e-cigarettes never to be yet satisfactory to make the product eligible to be approved for commercialization. [63] In Canada, by March 2009, the import, sale, and advertising of electric cigarettes containing nicotine are barred in Canada, while non-nicotine e-cigs are legal and may be sold and advertised. Health Canada advised Canadian consumers never to purchase or use any electronic smoking products, cited prohibition of electronic smoking products containing nicotine in the Food and Drugs Act; no market authorization has been granted for any electronic smoking product. [18] In China, the sale and usage of electric cigarettes are legal. But the low street price of tobacco cigarettes makes e-cigs an expensive alternative. In India, the use of e cigarettes is currently legal. Under the Indian Health Law of 2006, tobacco smoking has been barred in public areas; though since e-cigarettes steer clear of the usage of tobacco, they do not are categorized as this law. [64] In Lebanon, the council of ministers has barred the sale and usage of electric cigarettes starting 21 September 2011. [citation needed] In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health has ruled that the Ruyan e-cigarette falls under the requirements of the Medicines Act, and can't be sold except as a registered medicine. Because the ruling, Ruyan has obtained registration, and sale is currently allowed in pharmacies. [9] In Panama, importation, distribution and sale have been prohibited since June 2009. The Ministry of Health cites the FDA findings as their reason behind the ban. [65] In Singapore, the sale and import of electric cigarettes, even for personal consumption, is illegal. In accordance with Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, electric cigarettes were the industry's try to attract new users and were marketed to interest younger clients, including women. [66] In South Korea, the sale and usage of electric cigarettes are legal, but heavily taxed. [67] Possessing electronic cigarettes among teenagers is a problem. [68] In Switzerland, sale of nicotine-free electric cigarettes is legal. Use and import of electric cigarettes containing nicotine is legal, though they can not be sold in Switzerland. [69] By December 2011 the tobacco tax does not apply to e-cigarettes and respective liquids containing nicotine anymore. [70]

8 External links http://www.smokegreen.eu