Smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes kills over 400,000 people every year in the United States. It is the cause of one out of five deaths. It kills more people than AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, murders, suicides, fires, and automobile injury related deaths combined.

Each cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals. Over fifty of those are carcinogenic. Some of the chemicals in cigarettes are shocking. Arsenic, also found in rat poison, tops the list. Other chemicals are ammonia, acetone, butane, formaldehyde, and sulfuric acid.

Most people know about lung cancer and heart attacks caused by cigarette smoking. However, it also causes many other illnesses and diseases. It speeds up bone loss, which leads to osteoporosis. There is an increased risk for getting Peripheral Vascular Disease. Other smoking related problems include emphysema, cataracts, Raynaud’s Ulcers, Leukoplakia, and tooth decay.

Second hand smoke kills over 50,000 people each year. Environmental tobacco smoke is worse than directly inhaling smoke through a cigarette. The cigarette has a filter that catches some of the chemicals. Tobacco smoke in the environment has no filter, causing the same amount of lung damage as a mild smoker.

Smoking is a habit that makes quitting a difficult task. It is just as addictive as cocaine or heroin. As soon as the nicotine level in the blood diminishes, withdrawal symptoms begin.

There have been numerous gums, pills, and patches to assist smokers who want to quit. The majority of smokers fail in their attempt to quit. Those who are successful may experience a relapse by smoking just one cigarette. A realistic alternative to regular cigarettes is now available. Technology created the electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. It vaporizes a liquid to produce an inhaled mist that is similar to tobacco smoke without most of the chemicals. The device uses batteries, an atomizer, and a cartridge.

Each cartridge of an e-cigarette contains a refillable liquid. This solution contains water, nicotine, and flavoring. The strength of nicotine can be selected with each cartridge. There are also many herbal and vitamin extract formulas on the market for added health benefits.

The only chemical in an electronic cigarette is nicotine. There are no carcinogens. There is no possibility of fire or fire related deaths because there is no flame. There are no health risks or side effects. The exhaled smoke from an electronic cigarette is simply water vapor. It has the appearance of smoke, yet it quickly disappears. There is no offensive smell and no second hand smoke. It will not stain teeth or cause tooth decay. It is environmentally friendly and safe to use around nonsmokers.

Smoking tobacco cigarettes will eventually cause disease and death. 4,000 chemicals per cigarette are not worth the risk. The only chemical in an electronic cigarette is nicotine. Making the switch might just save your life!