Most experts agree that electronic cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes, stating that, few chemicals are detected in electronic cigarettes at levels to serious health concerns. Many agree that the level of toxicity in e-cigarettes is comparable to the level in other nicotine replacements products. When compared to the level of tobacco cigarettes, the level of cancer causing chemicals in electronic cigarettes, is negligible.
Smokers using the e-cigarette have cited many benefits of the product. These benefits include, less coughing, increased tolerance for exercise, improvement in their sense of taste and smell, and reduced cravings for cigarettes. Others claim that the muscle memory, sensory and social component of smoking an electronic cigarette, has helped them stop smoking altogether.
Despite evidence that this product seem to be a promising tool for reducing deaths and illness related to smoking, legislation has been enacted, in many countries, which restricts the use and advertising of the products. In the United States, each state has some lattitude in their treatment of electronic cigarettes. However, the U.S. FDA has ruled that the e-cigarette is not a medical device for nicotine replacement therapy, (NRT), or new drug. This ruling concludes that the device is a tobacco product and should be regulated as such.
The treatment of e-cigarettes varies overseas. Travelers should be sure of what the laws are, pertaining to e-cigarettes, in any country they plan to visit. In some countries, it is illegal to possess the product. Accordingly, advance research is required.