renderwerks

I wrote my representatives, the president, the FDA, etc... got a couple of responses:

Here was my letter:

I wanted to voice my opinion on the e-cigarette.

I have been a smoker for 35 years and have tried various methods to quit without success.

I recently learned of the e-cigarette while waiting on a doctor visit via the "health" channel shown on a TV in the waiting room. The segment was hosted by a doctor, and the general tone was approval. After discussing it with my doctor during that visit, I spent a couple of days researching on the internet as well as having an in-depth discussion with a PHD in Chemical Engineering (my boss) and decided it was a much better alternative to smoking if it could replace my 2 pack a day habit.

I purchased one and have been tobacco free for over 3 weeks. I honestly don't see ever using tobacco again. I generally feel better, my sense of taste has improved, and I've noticed I have more endurance.

In my research I’ve learned that a New Zealand doctor has been researching these devices for some time and these results show the e-cigarette to be signifigantly safer than any form of tobacco. I invite you to take a look: Health New Zealand


Further testing should be conducted; however, I believe that these devices should remain on the market as they are undoubtedly safer than the alternative.

Thank You,


Rick Hageman
Senior Mechanical Designer
Pacific Consolidated Industries
12201 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, Ca 92503
951.479.0860 x254
rhageman@pci-intl.com


Got a response from an agency of the FDA (OSHI, Office of Special Health issues):

Hello--

This office is not involved in regulation of these products. However, I found the following links to information of possible interest to you:
Import Refusal Report
Import Refusal Report

According to the information at the above links, under Federal law these products may not be lawfully marketed without having been tested and approved for marketing. Preliminary testing would not be sufficient as a basis for a regulatory determination for these products. While we appreciate the risks of smoking, products like this can be marketed only after thorough testing. In the absence of such marketing approval, their marketing would constitute a violation of Federal law.

Here is a link to non-FDA information:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/us...e.html?_r=1&hp.

I hope you find this information helpful.

David Banks
FDA Office of Special Health Issues

Well, THAT response kind of pissed me off...

The more positive response (partially) was from one of my Congressional Representatives, (it was hand signed):

Dear Mr. Hageman,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the e-cigarette.

I am concerned about the detrimental health effects of tobacco and am pleased to hear that the e-cigarette has helped you quit smoking. You also may be interested to know that Congress recently passed H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

H.R. 1256 seeks to enable the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products. In addition, H.R. 1256 would prohibit tobacco companies from manufacturing cigarettes containing artificial or natural flavors other than tobacco or menthol. I supported H.R. 1256 when it passed the House by a vote of 307 to 97 on June 12th. It now awaits the President's signature.

Please let me know if I may be of any future assistance.

Sincerely,

David Dreier

Better, although I don't agree with all the provisions of H.R. 1256. Besides, it's about tobacco, not our devices.

VaporFiend

So... All the vendors and e-stores are breaking the law right now?

nebraskapuffer

Thanks for sharing this renderworks. Something definitly needs to be regulated but it's not the e-cig.