Electronic cigarettes (again)

[Almo]

I have wondered why, in the last 40 years or so, anyone would start smoking. Even back in the 60s when I was a teen, the deleterious effects of smoking were beginning to be published, and shortly thereafter confirmed. This information was available to the public; it was no secret.

Humans are notoriously bad at forgoing a possible future bad effect to get a good effect now. I suspect this has something to do with the massive effort it is to raise our young.

 

[Lowpro]

Have you tried using cartomizers (cartridge/atomizer combo)? I find them to be the easiest option. I usually use a 50% PG/ 50%VG mix, so the liquid isn't to syrupy. I add a 4-5 drops every few hours and I get 1-2 weeks service out of each carto.

Yea that's generally what I meant by dripping is that I drip using a tip and cartomizer. I can't stand the PG stuff, it kinda hurts when it's vaped.

As for why I started smoking, I honestly can't remember. It's not like I would sneak off into the bathroom to smoke them either, I just remember buying them. I played in a couple bands with guys who were 18 and they'd buy them for me and we'd all smoke while we played and practiced.

 

[TubbaBlubba]

I have wondered why, in the last 40 years or so, anyone would start smoking. Even back in the 60s when I was a teen, the deleterious effects of smoking were beginning to be published, and shortly thereafter confirmed. This information was available to the public; it was no secret.
I could understand why those already addicted continued to smoke or to struggle unsucccessfully with quitting.
But why would anyone pick up a cigarrette?
Is it just a case that teens are essentially stupid? That they do all the silly rationalizations that people always have? "I can quit whenever I want." "Well, you have to die of something." "I just need something to do with my hands." "It's good for my nerves."
(without understanding that the attack of "nerves" is just nicotine cravings...)
And so on....
One of the things that would incense me is that I would be enriching the bastards who are marketing this poison to people.

I would qualify that to "smoking cigarettes". Cigars are immensely enjoyable (at least to some of us), and according to the (critical) studies that I've read, when smoked in amounts that most people who smoke it do, i.e. less than one a day, gives you a mortality ratio of 1.02 (actually for 1-2 a day). cf with cigarette smoking a pack a day giving a ratio of 1.69. It doesn't really affect the respiratory system much since you don't inhale.

The bigger risk with cigars is second-hand smoke because of the quantity. You should always smoke outside when possible, and if not, be sure to be in a well ventilated room, opening a window or door.

Really, the biggest drawback is that you'll look like Rush Limbaugh.

 

[Bikewer]

I have read that as well, both pipes and cigars have a reputation as being significantly safer than cigarettes. The incidence of cancers of the mouth, tongue, etc. is relatively high, but theses have a comparatively low fatality....
Also, both cigars and pipe tobaccos vary wildly as to nicotine content.

 

[TubbaBlubba]

I have read that as well, both pipes and cigars have a reputation as being significantly safer than cigarettes. The incidence of cancers of the mouth, tongue, etc. is relatively high, but theses have a comparatively low fatality....
Also, both cigars and pipe tobaccos vary wildly as to nicotine content.

Yeah. The importance is in emphasizing "safer", not "safe". It's still a real risk which you have to assess, if you are to do any kind of rational evaluation.

 

[Lowpro]

Cigars don't provide that niche that cigarettes give, that amazing smoke break.

 

[The Norseman]

I would qualify that to "smoking cigarettes". Cigars are immensely enjoyable (at least to some of us), and according to the (critical) studies that I've read, when smoked in amounts that most people who smoke it do, i.e. less than one a day, gives you a mortality ratio of 1.02 (actually for 1-2 a day). cf with cigarette smoking a pack a day giving a ratio of 1.69. It doesn't really affect the respiratory system much since you don't inhale.

The bigger risk with cigars is second-hand smoke because of the quantity. You should always smoke outside when possible, and if not, be sure to be in a well ventilated room, opening a window or door.

Really, the biggest drawback is that you'll look like Rush Limbaugh.

Depends on the brand. The ones I smoke, I tend to look more like Clint Eastwood's character in The Good, the bad and the Ugly.

Also, interesting information regarding Snus. I have occasionally used actual inhalant-type snuff and it's pretty good.

 

[Dessi]

Glad the e-ciggies are working for you.

My sister is a long-time smoker, started when she was a teenager, by the time she was 24 she'd turned into this:

She tried the e-ciggies but couldn't bring herself to like them because they don't burn down. She used Chantix with a huge amount of success, within a few weeks the smell and taste would make her sick, and a few months she could breathe, felt healthier. She was smoke free for 6 months, which was the longest in her life, though she accidentally picked up the habit again and is starting the quitting process from step 0 once more.

 

[CelticRose]

A youtuber named C0nc0rdance recently made a video about e-cigarettes. He generally does reasonable coverage of health topics and uses scientific resources to back up any claims. Here's the quick version, citations are available in the additional info on the video's page.

Thanks for that. This video answered my questions about "secondhand steam", as someone upthread put it.