| As the debate over the electronic cigarette | | | | least for now. |
| continues , the device has found at least three | | | | That could change as the nation grapples with |
| true believers in Jackson County. | | | | how to regulate the devices. Whether they should |
| Mildred "Mikay" Barrentine, 30, along with Pat | | | | be considered permissible in "smoke free" |
| Manning, 37, and 45-year-old Linda Lockwood, the | | | | environments is part of that discussion. |
| latter two of Altha, are enthusiastic about the | | | | The Food and Drug Administration says not |
| e-cigarette. All three are long-time heavy smokers | | | | enough is known about the health effects of the |
| who have given up traditional cigarettes in favor | | | | devices, and the FDA has in the past seized some |
| of "vaping," users' common term for this | | | | shipments coming from China in an attempt to |
| alternative to smoking. | | | | regulate them as drug-delivery devices. The FDA |
| Although e-cigarettes are not marketed or | | | | also wants to regulate their marketing techniques, |
| proven in studies as a smoke cessation device, all | | | | and wants to know more about quality controls. |
| three say it has worked for them. | | | | But the agency suffered a setback in January, |
| They breathe better and cough less. They also | | | | when a judge ruled the FDA hasn't got the |
| food tastes better, and they can smell it better, | | | | authority to do so under present regulations. The |
| too, because they are no longer using tobacco | | | | judge ruled the devices should be treated like |
| with tar and the hundreds of chemicals contained | | | | cigarettes, which are sold over the counter at |
| in regular cigarettes. | | | | almost every convenience store and in many |
| Their clothes no longer get the tiny holes that | | | | other venues throughout the country. They are |
| flying sparks from cigarettes can ignite, and they | | | | not considered a drug-delivery device, the judge |
| no longer have to worry about burning holes in | | | | reasoned. |
| the carpet or their cars, since there's no ash and | | | | "There is no basis for FDA to treat electronic |
| fire waiting to fall onto the floorboard while | | | | cigarettes … as a drug-device combination when |
| they're driving. | | | | all they purport to do is offer consumers the |
| They spend relatively less on vaping than they | | | | same recreational effects as a regular cigarette," |
| spent on cigarettes, they say. | | | | U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon wrote in his |
| They also no longer have to leave the comfort of | | | | decision. |
| indoors at public places to enjoy a drag – at | | | | To read the rest of this article click here...... |