During her 34 years of cigarette smoking, Carolyn Smeaton worked her way to a three-pack-a-day addiction. Over and over again she tried every method she could think of to quit, or at least cut down, including a nicotine patch, nicotine gum and a prescription drug. But these smoking-cessation aids were never enough to totally replace her long-standing habit.
Finally, after seeing an infomercial for an electronic cigarette, Ms. Smeaton decided to give quitting one more try. This device, which claimed to be a less dangerous way to feed her addiction, was quickly and easily purchased online. The battery-powered faux cigarette delivers an odorless dose of nicotine and flavoring without cigarette tar or additives, and produces a vapor mist nearly identical in appearance to tobacco smoke.
“I feel like this could save my life,” said Ms. Smeaton, 47, who, with the help of her e-cigarette, has cut her tobacco smoking to a pack and a half daily.
Thousands of traditional cigarette smokers just like Carolyn have visited web sites and mall kiosks to purchase electronic cigarettes, despite that fact that they are not government-approved and virtually no scientific studies have been done on them. The attraction is further fueled by the fact that, since they produce no smoke, they can be used in workplaces, restaurants, airports, and other places where traditional cigarettes are prohibited.
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