Background
Cigarette companies have recently introduced a new product often referred to as “electronic cigarettes.” Though in its early stages and only claiming a small percent of the market in comparison to combustible cigarettes, this new product has certainly caught the attention of the market “overnight.” So what is it about these new cigarettes that have caused them to become so popular? Electronic cigarettes are very similar to personal vaporizers. Though they do not contain tobacco, they do contain the nicotine found in tobacco plants. When inhaled, a heating element atomizes a liquid solution causing an aerosol “vapor” to be emitted from the end resembling smoke. Thicker smoke emitting versions have become more popular, as it seems that feature is the most attractive and appealing feature of the e-cig.
Problem Statement
This new controversial product falls between our social morals, and our nations devotion to capitalism. For years the United States has put forth an anti-smoking campaign with efforts to de-normalize the use of cigarettes in public spaces. By reviving cigarettes and putting them fresh into our minds through television and radio ads we risk the gain of popularity of smoking in our culture once again. …show more content…
By choosing to do so we are also deciding to deal with the consequences of “normalizing” smoking once again. Introducing and supporting the use of electronic cigarettes in the US may have several consequences that may seem transparent to the public at first. Reynolds American is the second largest tobacco company in the US and a recent merger Lorillard, owner of Blu e-cigarettes. This has raised a lot of suspicion, as we all know cigarette companies first concern is profits, and not the public’s well