January Newsletter

The time to act is NOW! Call to Action!      CASAA 182 St. Francis St. Mobile, Alabama 36602 board@casaa.org   Join today! CASAA is truly a grassroots organization and its success depends completely on the involvement of its members. If you currently use smokeless alternatives such as e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, your access to these products is threatened. Please consider donating your time or money to help keep smokeless alternatives available, affordable and effective.  CASAA News   Nicotine Patches, Gums Fail to Help Smokers Quit for Good 01-12-2012 14:59:00 PM By Michelle Fay Cortez and Alex Nussbaum Bloomberg Businessweek Jan. 10 (Bloomberg)  -- Nicotine-replacing gums and patches like those from GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Pfizer Inc. failed to help smokers who quit the habit stay off cigarettes, even when used with professional counseling, a study found. [Read more]...» Tighter tobacco rules on cruises worry e-smokers 01-12-2012 14:39:00 PM (Note: This article has quotes from a CASAA member and CASAA President Elaine Keller.)   By Arlene Satchell, Sun Sentinel 11:51 a.m. EST, January 12, 2012  A growing number of smokers are now using electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes to try to kick their tobacco products habit, but cruise lines don't agree on where to ban and where to permit e-cigarettes at sea. Some lump them with traditional tobacco cigarette smokers, while others give them near free rein in new policies that recently took effect or will soon. The policies pose a quandary for anyone who wants to enjoy a cruise but is trying hard to stay smoke-free. "I know I'd cancel any plans of a cruise vacation if I thought my electronic cigarette wasn't welcome on board the cruise ship and I know I'm not alone," said Laurel O'Neill of Nokomis, Fla. [Read more]...» Augusta - Richmond County, GA Call to Action (UPDATE!) 01-12-2012 14:24:00 PM UPDATE:  The Public Services Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 in the commission chamber at the municipal building for a special work session. Public hearings have already taken place on this proposed ordinance (and an e-cigarette user attended and spoke), so it is vital that e-mails are sent as soon as possible. Text: http://www.scribd.com/doc/69513527/Augusta-GA-Proposed-Smoking-Ban-With-E-Cigarettes This Ordinance could: Ban the use of electronic cigarettes, regardless of whether or not they contain nicotine, in places where tobacco cigarette smoking is prohibited. [Read more]...» North Myrtle Beach, SC Call to Action 01-12-2012 14:16:00 PM "Smoking in Public Places" Link to City Council Worshop Summary The North Myrtle Beach city council has stated publicly their intention to include electronic cigarettes in this ordinance, as they are concerned that people might not be able to distinguish an e-cigarette from a real cigarette in certain situations. The ordinance has yet to be published with the inclusion of e-cigarettes. This ordinance would presumably: Ban the use of electronic cigarettes in any public place where smoking is disallowed. The Council is meeting on Monday, January 23rd at 7:00 pm, to vote on the ordinance. Public comments will be allowed from any attendees wishing to speak. We strongly encourage local electronic cigarette users to attend and comment at the meeting. If you would like assistance with what to say, please contact us at board@casaa.org. [Read More]...» Greek e-cigarette study called "amateur propaganda" 01-12-2012 14:01:00 PM "This is the first evidence that just one (e-cigarette) use can have acute physiologic effects," said lead researcher Constantine I. Vardavas, of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at the Harvard School of Public Health.For the new study, Vardavas and colleagues in Athens had 30 healthy smokers puff on an e-cigarette to see how it affected their airways. The researchers found that after five minutes, users showed signs of airway constriction -- as measured by several types of breathing tests -- and of inflammation. Or so says this quote from a recent Reuters article. Of course, the anti-tobacco and nicotine crowd, along with some media outlets, have picked up on this as "proof" that e-cigarettes are not "safe."  However, in a review by Dr. Michael Siegel of the published research paper, the study actually shows that "in contrast to both tobacco cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, which have been shown to cause acute impairment of lung function, electronic cigarettes have no acute effect on pulmonary function as measured by spirometry testing."  "...» CASAA Member Meeting Sunday 1-08-12 01-07-2012 16:33:00 PM This Webinar is held every 2 weeks on Sunday, from: Jan 8, 2012 to Apr 1, 2012 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM EDT Register Now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/204379094 Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer ...» Indianapolis-Marion County, IN Call to Action 01-04-2012 19:06:00 PM A PROPOSAL FOR A GENERAL ORDINANCE amending Sec. 616 with respect to nonsmoking areas. Link: http://www.indy.gov/egov/council/proposals/pages/home.aspx (#352)  This ordinance would: Ban the use of electronic cigarettes in any public place where smoking is disallowed. ...» And the Cassie goes to.... 01-02-2012 22:47:00 PM Nicknamed the "Cassie," the annual CASAA "Butt-Head of the Year" awards are given to public health professionals and legislators "in recognition of the most creative truth-telling, incredible inaccuracy and exceptional fact-twisting in tobacco harm reduction."  These are the winners of 2011:  And the winner of the Cassie (with 56% of the vote) is...  The White House  The Twist: "E-cigarettes may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans or otherwise harm public health -- for example, if they are attractive to young people and lead kids to try other tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes, which are known to cause disease and lead to premature death. Because clinical studies of these products have not been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consumers currently have no way of knowing what types or concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals are found in these products, or how much nicotine people inhale when they use these products. FDA is taking steps, as authorized by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, to include electronic cigarettes under the agency's regulatory authority....» End Canada's ban on electronic cigarettes 01-02-2012 20:41:00 PM Jesse Kline National Post   To the uninitiated, walking into this suburban Toronto bar must look like a throwback to the 1980s. A cloud of what appears to be smoke can be seen hovering over a group at the far end of the establishment.  But a quick check of the sense confirms that looks can be deceiving.The air is fresh, lacking the pungent aroma of burning tobacco; the eyes aren't watering with the sting of fresh smoke seeping into the sockets; and instead of ash trays and cigarette packs, the tables are full of small bottles of liquid and other pieces of equipment. ...» State of Wisconsin Call to Action! 12-27-2011 22:39:00 PM Call to Action for Wisconsin RESIDENTS! LRB 1287/1 and 3573/1:AN ACT to renumber 101.123 (1) (h); and to create 101.123 (1) (h) 2m. of the statutes. This bill specifies that the term "smoking," for purposes of the general prohibition against smoking in indoor locations, does not include holding, or inhaling or exhaling vapor or a vaporized solution from, an electronic device that does not contain tobacco.  This bill would: Specifically exempt electronic cigarettes from the statewide indoor smoking ban. ...» Successful smoking cessation with electronic cigarettes in smokers with a documented history of recurring relapses: a case series 12-22-2011 16:00:00 PM Abstract Introduction: Smoking cessation programs are useful in helping smokers to quit, but smoking is a very difficult addiction to break and the need for novel and effective approaches to smoking cessation interventions is unquestionable. The E-cigarette is a battery-powered electronic nicotine delivery device that may help smokers to remain abstinent during their quit attempt. We report for the first time objective measures of smoking cessation in smokers who experimented with the E-cigarette. Case presentation: Three Caucasian smokers (two men aged 47 and 65 years and one woman aged 38 years) with a documented history of recurring relapses were able to quit and to remain abstinent for at least six months after taking up a cigarette....» Institute recommendations will block development/approval of reduced risk tobacco products 12-19-2011 13:23:00 PM This commentary appears today on Dr. Siegel's tobacco policy blog, at: http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2011/12/iom-report-on-modified-risk-tobacco.html.  IOM Report on Modified Risk Tobacco Products Interprets Tobacco Act as Putting Insurmountable Barriers in the Way of Reduced Risk Tobacco Products The Institute of Medicine last week released its long-awaited report on the scientific evidence required to support designation of tobacco products as modified risk products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act [the Tobacco Act]. The report recommends that extensive scientific evidence, including findings from randomized controlled trials and longitudinal cohort studies, be required to show that potential reduced risk products will reduce individual health risks and improve the public's health on a population basis....» CASAA Member Meeting Sunday 12-17-11 12-17-2011 22:40:00 PM Title: CASAA member Meeting Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011 Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM EST After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements: PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/485125966 ...» CASAA welcomes new directors 12-11-2011 16:52:00 PM In the past few weeks, the CASAA Board of Directors has gratefully expanded with the addition of two new directors, welcoming Karen Carey (MA) and Michael Cozzi (IL). Along with determination and passion,  Mrs. Carey brings a background in accounting and experience running the New England Vapers group and Mr. Cozzi, brings extensive IT experience to CASAA as well as being a well-known figure in the e-cigarette review and tutorial video world.  The newest board members join the other 2011 additions: Secretary Jacinda Ross (UT), who is a local e-cigarette activist and has also taken on the demanding role as "the face of CASAA" on several vaping-related online shows joined the Board in July and Treasurer Gregory Conley (NJ), a law student (often referred to as CASAA's new "rock star") who joined the Board in February and tirelessly follows tobacco harm reduction legislation for the organization and has already contributed invaluable media contacts, FOIA documents, public testimony and legal support for CASAA.  Dorothy Taylor, who is an LPN and active e-cigarette advocate who contributes her medical expertise to the cause, also joined the board back in February. The current Board of Directors also consists of Ron Ward (MD), informally acting as CASAA legal director, who joined the board in August 2010 and founding directors President Elaine Keller (VA); Vice President Kristin Noll-Marsh; Thad Marney (OR); Drew Gliem (NJ) and medical director Theresa Witt (TX)....» Boston Globe publishes CASAA letter 12-10-2011 17:56:00 PM The Boston Globe published CASAA President Elaine Keller's Letter to the Editor, which is responding to the editorial that chided e-cigarette manufacturers for "resisiting FDA regulation".  E-cigarette makers have devised smoking substitute that works THE DEC. 3 editorial "Banned in Boston, for now'' blames manufacturers of e-cigarettes for resisting "efforts at regulation by the federal Food and Drug Administration by labeling e-cigarettes as devices for smoking pleasure, not therapeutic devices for nicotine replacement.'' Why would the Globe want manufacturers to misrepresent the intended purpose of the products?  Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a therapeutic product for nicotine replacement. Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and prescription inhalers should more properly be referred to as "nicotine weaning therapy'' products. Directions instruct consumers to use the products for a specified length of time, reduce the dosage of nicotine, and then discontinue use.  Unfortunately, they don't work well. By the time treatment is completed, most consumers have already relapsed, and a year after treatment, 95 percent have resumed smoking. The idea behind e-cigarettes is to provide the nicotine that a smoker craves while eliminating nearly all of the smoking-related hazards. Medicinal drugs and devices must undergo years of testing, costing as much as $800 million, and receive FDA approval before they can be sold for therapeutic purposes. E-cigarettes are intended to serve as a replacement for smoking, and they appear to work extremely well for this purpose. More than 90 percent of consumers who switch to e-cigarettes report better lung health, better markers of cardiovascular health, and improved stamina. In view of the fact that those who directly inhale the nicotine vapor are enjoying better health, how could the vapor they exhale, having been filtered through their lungs, be harmful to bystanders? ELAINE KELLER President The Consumer Advocates for Smokefree Alternatives Association Springfield, Va....»

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