Countering the “business case” for e-cigarette use – 8/5/10

Q: Rhode Island is developing a response to a recent article published in the Providence Business News that hailed e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. The Department of Health’s position statement is already in draft mode. The pitch is meant to counter the argument that e-cigarettes may help improve worker productivity (because workers do not need to leave their work area in order to smoke, etc.); if states have developed similar pitches, please share them.
 
In developing the pitch and op-ed, having a bit more color around the harmful effects and addictive properties of nicotine will undoubtedly be useful. Have any states developed tobacco prevention messaging that specifically focuses on nicotine?  Historically, Rhode Island has not explicitly addressed nicotine/e-cigarettes. Rather, past media campaigns have always talked about the harmful effects of tobacco.
 
Please share any sample documents or communications containing language that directly addresses the risks associated with nicotine addiction/e-cigarettes. If other states have produced similar op-ed pieces, please share them as well. Any thoughts or suggestions other states have on responding to this would be extremely appreciated!

A:

1. Alabama: Alabama does not have a position statement on e-cigarettes or materials making the case for the dangers of nicotine to share.
    
2. Utah: See the following resources from Utah:
    
   • Fact sheet: Health Effects of Nicotine Products
   • Position statement on Tobacco –Utah Tobacco Prevention & Control Program & Statewide Partners
   • Fact sheet: The Truth About E-Cigarettes

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TCN editor’s note: Two past Help Your Peers questions on e-cigarettes may also be helpful:

• Fact sheets or hand-outs on e-cigarettes - 5/1/09
• Public education on new tobacco products - 9/10/09

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