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Comment by agumonkey | Hacker News Reader

I bought one for my mother because her health seemed lowering. She didn't like it and didn't want to spend time searching for the right device and/or liquid.

She had an infarctus (not myocard it seems though) last month, obviously cardio told her no more cigarettes. She was worried about nicotine addiction, I mentioned e-cig, I got angry eyes, borderline saying it was worth than cigs.

I understand their concerns about untested liquids turning into other kinds of carcinogens, but I'm still surprised about the reaction. I expected that some doctors would be able to either mention calmly "no vaporized liquids is free of dangerous particles" or redirect to well tested brand and suppliers. I guess it's just hurried scare tactics.

In the mean time, it's nicotine gums diet.

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Some doctors are more open minded than others. I use an ecig to deal a smoking relapse after being quit for 7 years (sadly, the addiction never really leaves you), and from my unscientific and informal poll of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and others in the medical field, they largely think of ecigs are harmless (especially when compared to cigarettes).

Of course, they won't recommend them to patients because the science has yet to fully establish their safety, but what science HAS come in is promising and the anecdotal evidence from countless users is also promising. Even so, doctors want to promote quitting altogether, not crutches or replacements, as it simplies treatment plans and eliminates variables. Plus, many of them have never been smokers, so they just don't understand what it's like to be a smoker, depending upon both nicotine and the comforting ritual of smoking in a society flush with stress.

If it helps, the UK's NHS says

"E-cigarettes are not risk free, but based on current evidence they carry a fraction of the risk of cigarettes. Public Health England’s independent review of the latest evidence found that using an e-cigarette (known as ‘vaping’) is around 95% safer than smoking."

and

"If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do is stop smoking now and e-cigarettes can help people to quit."

https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/e-cigarettes

I did research the subject quite a lot, for what an non health pro or student can find, including NHS reports. The issue is that opinions evolve. Some high grade doctors were publicly against, then suddenly change, but with a bit of marketing agenda behind.

I wanted to cross check with ecigs "nerd" communities, who are fine grained in their approach of products and spend time discussing issues and qualities of liquids, and devices (combustion properties control matters).

I'm still looking for data about vaporizers (be it water + nicotine, or even THC).

From my personal experience with friends/family men are much more likely to make the switch. All the male smokers I have urged to try quit normal cigs shortly after. All the women use it only sometimes but continue smoking or just flat out rejected it. Not sure why this is. I am suspecting it is too technical/nerdy for most of them dealing with charging batteries, refilling liquid, assembling tanks etc. No meaning to be sexist here but I would not be surprised if the gender distribution for vaping would be similar to that in technical jobs for instance.

I noticed this as well.... Ive Never seen a female vape unless they were behind the counter at the Cape shop. Maybe some female oriented Cape advertising? Worked for malboro

My guess: You got angry eyes because nicotine is a stimulant and (speaking from experience) can cause heart rate abnormalities.

Sure, but they give nicotine gums so it doesn't matter. I was just thinking about a smooth transition toward healthy lifestyle. (no cigs, no ecigs, no gums).

Disposable ecigs are much more convenient, and are a more natural way for people to switch. I also find refilling liquid to be a nuisance. The Njoy Daily has become my favorite.

I wish I tried this first with my mom. She would probably enjoyed the experience, which I assume is supposed to be hassle-free "drop-in replacement".

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