E-cigarettes offer smoke-free nicotine, but experts skeptical

Scott Marino was recently in Kroger puffing away on a cigarette when an employee told him he couldn't smoke in the store. The 43-year-old Shelby Township resident said "no problem" -- because the cigarette wasn't real.

Marino hasn't smoked in a little more than a month due in part to electronic or e-cigarettes, which provide a nonflammable, tar- and tobacco-free alternative to traditional cigarettes. Powered by a lithium battery, the cigarette includes a liquid nicotine cartridge, a "glowing" end and smoke-like vapors.

"It's a great option, especially in light of the state considering a smoking ban," said Marino, who smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 25 years. "You can smoke it in restaurants or work, and carry it around with you and not need a lighter."

But the federal government and some doctors aren't so enthusiastic.

The FDA in March blocked the import of future e-cigarettes while it investigates whether they can be considered a drug delivery device, such as a nicotine patch.

The electronic cigarette kits sell for roughly $99 to $129.99 and include a wall charger as well as a pack of five cartridges valued at $10 that come in four different nicotine levels: 16 milligrams, 11, 6 and 0. Various flavors such as regular tobacco, apple and vanilla are also available. One nicotine cartridge is the equivalent of 20 traditional cigarettes -- or a pack. A pack of cigarettes in Michigan costs about $6.

Dr. Samuel A. Allen, who specializes in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Beaumont Hospital, Troy, admits electronic cigarettes are an alternative to smoking but "not necessarily a good one.

"It's the lesser of two evils because you're essentially exchanging one addiction for another," he said.

One product, called Smoking Everywhere, is made by a Florida company and is sold online and at about 130 outlets nationwide, including kiosks in Oakland Mall and Birch Run outlet mall near Saginaw.

The device is not marketed as a smoking cessation device. It's intended to give users the feel of a real cigarette but without the carbon monoxide, smell and smoke.

When a person inhales, the tip lights up and it tastes like a cigarette, but only vapors are emitted, according to Walt Linscott of Atlanta, an attorney for Smoking Everywhere.

The technology was invented by a Chinese scientist in 2004, and Smoking Everywhere obtained the right to sell the product in the United States. It's one of about five major e-cigarette companies. Njoy and Bloog use similar technology.

Smoking Everywhere filed a complaint against the FDA importation ban in late April and is awaiting the outcome of court arguments.

The company argues its device is more properly classified as a tobacco product because it's marketed as "an adult smoking experience" and not as a device to help people kick the habit, said Linscott, noting all products sold are from existing stocks across the country.

Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Australia, and the Netherlands doesn't allow the products to be advertised.

"We take the position that FDA approval isn't needed, just like regular cigarettes. They are taking a hard line, limited view of a product that doesn't produce all of the negative health effects and by doing so are yanking away consumer options. It doesn't seem like good public policy," Linscott added.

While the liquid nicotine in electronic cigarettes doesn't have the same components as traditional cigarettes, "There is still some pretty concerning stuff in them," including the nicotine and propylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze, Allen said.

Regardless, Jackie Wilson, 51, of Detroit is considering buying the product. She's been smoking since age 16, has emphysema and "desperately needs" something to help curb the habit.

"I need to quit bad. I get tired just going up the stairs. When I do, it feels like I ran around the block a few times," said Wilson taking a puff on a sample Smoking Everywhere e-cigarette at Oakland Mall last month.

"I like the way it tastes. This might be a healthier option for me when I come up with the cash for it."

Smoking Everywhere has reported sales of about $12 million in 2008 for the product marketed to ages 18 and older, Linscott said.

It has become about a $100 million industry, said Matt Salmon, president of the Electronic Cigarette Association.

The kiosk in Oakland Mall has sold more than 130 kits since it opened May 1, and sells about 20 packs of cartridges daily, according to co-owner John Mannino, who opened a second kiosk at Birch Run mall Wednesday.

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