Electronic Cigarette Association: Protecting The Consumer And Suppliers By Replacing Misinformation With Fact

The e-cigarette industry launched the Electronic Cigarette Association to provide a platform to speak for the producers, distributors and retailers of electronic cigarettes. The trade association was formed in 2009 in Washington, D.C. and is funded through donations and by the members. The ECA answers questions about e-cigs, provides accurate information and focuses on public relations.

The ECA hopes to provide a collective voice for the industry and electronic cigarettes organizations and providers. This mission is pursued by dispensing truthful information and providing tools needed to the media, policy makers and leaders of public opinion throughout the country. This trade association intends to institute industry-wide standards and a code of conduct with the goal of educating the public and reassuring legislators about the use of e-cigs.

Powerful lobbyists of big tobacco and large pharmaceutical firms have attacked e-cigarettes from the time the products were introduced in 2003. Pressure from these highly financed lobbies resulted in the FDA conducting a very limited and unscientific study of e-cigs and issuing a caution about their use.. The Electronic Cigarette Association aims to combat the push to ban the products. Results of the FDA testing found a trace amount of a risky compound but did not compare that result with a similar test for the compound in tobacco products. The big corporations realized in 2003 that the electronic versions could damage their profits and they have been applying pressure for a ban since then.

Presenting the e-cig as a safe and cheaper alternative to tobacco products is the goal of the ECA. Users are encouraged to share their e-cig stories and the public is urged to contact their Congressional representatives.

When new products are introduced, especially if they are innovative, misinformation is to be expected. For generations the health risks of smoking tobacco have been well documented and accepted. Smoking tobacco products was totally acceptable for generations and accomodations (and ashtrays) for smokers were available wherever you looked. The macho Marlboro man died of lung cancer. The feminist Virginia Slims lady is not seen as glamorous by women today.

The number of ingredients, additives and compounds in tobacco are now fully understood as are the serious health risks involved in smoking. Public buildings and places of entertainment such as restaurants, theaters, and even bars have banned smoking and the trend toward non smoking public areas is spreading to more public places.

Large companies who stand to lose profits and organizations that want smoking banned in any form have condemned e-cigs. Until recently, there was no alternative to tobacco smoking and many people did not understand their addiction until they tried to quit smoking. Electronic cigarettes provide an alternative to tobacco and is under attack both from those who promote smoking and from anti-smoking legislators.

The surgeon general of the U.S. declared tobacco products a heath hazard 40 years ago. Yet only last year was any government action taken to place tobacco products under the authority and regulation of the FDA. It is interesting that the same FDA began proposing a ban on e-cigs shortly after they were made available to the public. It is hoped that by taking the lead in self-regulation and forming the Electronic Cigarette Association, the e-cigarette industry will be able to keep this alternative product available to the public.

Mary Kay Rivers has become an expert on all aspects of e-cigarettes. Her articles about electronic cigarettes as an alternative or about the best e-cigarette have become well-known.