Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
Researchers Try Nicotine To Treat Memory Loss ~ Federal Communications Commission and the children™ ~ CDC Misleads by calling E-cigarettes a ‘Tobacco Product’ ~ Vape Radio ~ The Arrogance of Public Health Advocacy ~ Vaping Taxes ~ Vaping Hit by Double Tragedy ~ Respiratory Study Fail ~ Surgeon General Watch: Data, Snippets, and Narratives ~ Vaping in the Mic
Researchers Try Nicotine To Treat Memory Loss
More positive involvement using the word, (and the chemical) “nicotine”. This is good. This makes people who know better nervous. Excellent. More research I say! Think about it… if kids thought nicotine is good for you, they would avoid it like… oh never mind. I also secretly hope there is a use for those patches taking up shelf space.
Speaking of “The Children™”, ‘one’ Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to stop less harmful products being advertised because of no other reason: “even if they are targeted at kids”.
Meet Jessica Rosenworcel. Jessica is an “Impatient optimist. Mom, wife,” and of all things an “inveterate coffee drinker.” Huh.
CDC Misleads by calling E-cigarettes a ‘Tobacco Product’
No kidding. Already established abroad, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has incorrectly defined…. oh never mind. I am grateful for the American Council on Science and Health taking this on.
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Vape Radio
Vape Radio has had a fundraiser up for about a month. (I completely missed it!) In my opinion, Rod and his team are like this blog. They get the word out. They contribute to and talk about advocacy. They’re #LOUDER.
The Vaping Legion had him on here last week. If you are able to contribute, wonderful, If not, please share.
Let’s see… covered misleading, covered the children™. How about some arrogance? Are you like what is described as the “average American” who is “resentful toward those who tell him or her how to live”? So am I.
This is an eye-opening perspective from a Doctor, in proper form:
From across the pond, Dave Cross (another I admire) at Planet Of The Vapes has taken on the task of informing our community of two heartbreaking deaths.
Surgeon General Watch: Data, Snippets, and Narratives
As we slip into the third week of my one-man #SGWatch on Twitter, I took a harder look at what Dr. Adams says, and does, on his personal account – and what he doesn’t on his professional account as U.S. Surgeon General. Oh, and confusion. A general mess. That’s covered as well:
Then, because Mike started it, I spent over an hour on the 34th episode of Vaping and the Mic (and even showed my face) to discuss snippets, narratives and data…
Is access to public data an unreasonable request? What will the complete data reveal? Are snippets of data the best way to inform the public? If the full spectrum of the data is withheld, what is real, what is contrived?
“If you repeat a lieoften enough, it becomes the truth.”
The problem with research misconduct must be of epidemic proportions. So much so, the Department of Health and Human Services has its own division defining such misconduct called the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), and a definition of said misconduct.
“Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.”
“Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.”
It would seem all data would be required to have a clear picture of the information being displayed presented to make an informed case, decision, or outcome. The authority in charge has no business writing or promoting a narrative, when data can and shall speak for itself.
Instead, snippets become headlines, and headlines create the story narrative.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth“
In the case of e-cigarettes, and the latest “data” on youth use, it is to present manipulate the claim of an ‘epidemic’ in order to willfully threaten legal adult choices, using snippets of data designed to “fit a narrative” as my friend, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams has done, and has accused.
It’s backward. Snippets (subliminal or not) can sell ideas. Create campaigns. Change public opinion.
Mining for data can be useful. Depending on the criteria, displaying data to ones liking is misleading. Similar to Stanton Glantz below, that is propaganda.
Skewed data is…well, you can make anything look like you want it to look for your own purposes. I think I am afraid of both films Nicolas Cage appears in, and pools. Why? I’m not sure what I’m afraid of, Nicolas Cage isn’t his real name, but looking at data tells me I should… Oh never mind.
In this blog, I will attempt to demonstrate two things. First, the following tweets and subtweets can be confusing. Second, if I can post things in here properly and explain, you won’t be confused. Either way, they are snippets, and you’ll probably be confused.
It started with (well, not really, I’m using my interpretation of the data) a question to the highest “ranking” Medical Doctor from Mike Peterson:
@Surgeon_General , sir, you replied to @vapingit that "some independent vape shops have an equally high violation rate." Would you supply the data for this claim, as the @US_FDA data set does not support this same suggestion.
In this tweet, the Surgeon General clearlyseems to has “doubts” that Mike “really wanted this information”. Surgeon General Adams must not look away from his snippets accomplishments on his “I love me” wall and must be suspicious of anyone questioning his integrity my snippet. Shame on you, Mike!
Oh, I think Mike wanted the information. That’s alright, Dr. Adams. You don’t require my assurance adults are looking harder than you are for any detrimental outcomes of any facet of e-cigarettes.
It’s not as if we’re a large and growing community of consumers including Doctors like yourself, Lawyers, Teachers, Nurses, Statisticians, Scientists, Cooks, Truck Drivers, and other professionals, along with lovers of data and science. And math. In fact, one of us is a… nope… my narrative, so further down the data hole you go.
I’ll insert a quick snippet from my personal life. The words from a Neurologist to my wife was:
“We’re setting up testing for onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Is that a snippet of a much greater assessment? Can you discern from the quote she, in fact, has Alzheimer’s or dementia? Do you have enough data to make the determination? You really don’t know. I’m saving it for a different blog.
Note the words ” in the interest of correcting misunderstandings”. Misunderstandings are snippets, Dr. Adams. Vape shops aren’t included in “this” analysis is correct, by stating “equally high violation rate”, you overstepped your ego, data, or knowledge, position narrative.
I know I said I wasn’t going to comment but in the interest of correcting misunderstandings, this looked at retail chains. Most all vape shops are independent, so they aren’t included in this analysis- but fact is some independent vape shops have an equally high violation rate.
He’s right. Snippet. The statement just above was “they aren’t included in this analysis” and “shops have an equally high violation rate“, and refers to this graphic he posted below:
I proudly show you my snippet! Go ahead, click on it, it’ll enlarge.
Because he was prompted by – anyone’s comments – and saw my amateur hour cut/paste of his just above, below he explains how narrative and roles to play suddenly are important. His data went from “equally high violation rate” to some vape shops. Also, he displays his knack of interacting with the public quite… well, I’ll let you come to your own conclusions. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
“It’s easy to cut & paste snippets”…because the whole picture isn’t a narrative, I just couldn’t let that one go. If data and information is explained properly, there is no need for “snippets”. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
Here, I’m not sure if he’s being condescending on purpose, or if he just doesn’t know he’s tweeting to a known impugner. I am also an uneducated “backwardsbackwoodsman from one of the colonies.” (Thanks, Alan, I knew that would come in handy eventually! ) Oh, go on, there’s something I was determined to take out of context. Damn me. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
To further reiterate his position snippet, he grabs some more data from his cuff and explains some gibberish about technical stuff I probably wouldn’t understand anyway… something about this does look like a high ranking public health official explaining a snippet narrative, maybe it’s just me. We’ve gone from … well, this data thing just isn’t my forte’.
Well, Mike (he’s mentioned above), and Jake got data. In fact, they mined the data. Turns out twenty-one money penalties were assessed. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
To “That Damned Ninga, he agrees. Vape shops are “doing much better”… he also wants everyone else to agree. I often forget I’m constantly asked to agree with something because it will fit a narrative. I wonder what happens when the public just nods their head in agreement when a public official says to. Couldn’t be all bad, I suppose. Either way, he wants everyone to agree. By golly, I’m almost going to agr…. nope. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
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Trusting the highest doctor in the land to provide competent, well-constructed answers to convey issues with facts, when he, in fact, won’t do it seems futile. Instead, he has chosen to act on authority, instinct, and sticks to the data (dammit) script.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
Then, addressing (you and me) the public as if we’re a bunch of nine-year-olds is pretty – well, idiotic. Starting at about the time I could talk, I’ve questioned authority and integrity a long time. Pre-loaded answers come with loaded questions where I come from – the backwoods of one of the original colonies.
In fact, I’ll use your “It’s easy to cut & paste snippets” own sarcastic words against you, Dr. Adams. Also, I have repeatedly asked for data. So much so, it’s redundant, repetitive and repeats itself. It should, could, may, might or even would, speak for itself.
The reason I keep asking the same questions over and over?
Dr. Adams own words:
In the meantime, if you’re approaching a city, township, county, or state hearing about sales to minors, or that vape shops are contributing to the delinquency of minors, I highly suggest these two graphics to use at your disposal, just as the Heart, Lung, Cancer, and other healthorganizations will. Let them sort it out with facts, not preconceivednotions and media sound bitessnippets (dammit) data.
Here’s the chart from Jake Jacobsen: According to data, if you click on it, it’ll get bigger!
Here is the chart alone from Mike Peterson: Yep, click:
Bring your nose a bit closer to the screen – at a second glance, this is what you may have missed: Wait, back up, just click!
The overall narrative is to put big scary numbers out, fueling the fire of an epidemic. I (we, vapers paying attention) want the truth. I don’t for one minute think any of us want anything less, good or bad. We’re adults, we can take the snippets data.
When looking at inspections just above, there is no “epidemic”, and the fact is, in 2018:
There were 146,376 inspections.
There were 17,456 total violations
Of 17,456 violations, 2,060 were “ends and e-liquid.
Of those violations, 229 were vape shops. (Vape shops: STOP that.)
Things that make you go hmmmm…..
And Juul? If you believe their “epidemic” data, Vuse was the front runner of underage sales violations at 1,729… so, they should have at least tried harder at purchasing Juul to complete the narrative.
Silly data makers. Go ahead, scroll back up if you need to. I’ll wait.
Sounds as if you’re still confused. I apologize for torturing you, but I feed a mouse cheese just to do my math for me.
This an enforcement issue all the way around. Underage sales at vape shops are NOT a contributing factor to an epidemic, which is still a snippet of the overall message portrayed. Kids stealing from their parents like they did cigarettes? Probably. Straw purchases? Likely.
Illegal sales – meeting the “definition” of an ‘epidemic’? Doubtful.
Snippet alert:
Found in my previous “Nod In Agreement” blog here.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
On to the “epidemic”.
If, after reading this blog, you are still confused, I will conclude, from snippets, and so shall you, that confusion is intentional. The snippet below is a confusing mess, by design. The bottom right tweet on his personal account, in a “non-official” capacity, was just a few days before he announced as Surgeon General there indeed “is” an epidemic. I hope we can all agree, the data is in the contrived details. Go ahead, click on it, it’ll get bigger!
“Morals are standards set by those who want their standards met by others.”
I don’t want situational ethics, nor do I want morals and feelings mixed into the narrative. Here is what I want. I want the law to be obeyed. I want parents to be aware, not act on “reefer madness” type propaganda, and ultimately, parents to parent.
Specifically, I want the data to speak for itself. Both for adults looking for a safer alternative to smoking, and the narrative of an “epidemic” to be scrutinized, specifically when a public HEALTH official is threatening adult choices for less harmful products – unless we agree with his narrative. Jim McDonald says it best.
We won't tell smokers that vaping is safer until a few vapers on Twitter admit that a large increase in occasional use constitutes an epidemic of addiction.
No kidding, that's exactly what he's saying. It's a threat, and it's not appropriate for a public health official. https://t.co/5k0IMDiSmr
Unless you suffer from cognitive dissonance, I want the data as it stands, not as it fits my narrative “out of context” with some silly twitter snippets, Dr. Adams. I don’t want to hear about plausible deniability. I don’t want proof by assertion. Confirmation bias is unnecessary.
I want the public to be aware of the best information available rather than striking panic in the streets.
So, what’s the snippet? What’s the truth? Still confused? So are adults looking for answers to a less harmful alternative.
“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.”
I am a consumer, while I try to be a voice for consumers, I don’t speak for “all” consumers. I have a higher standard for medical and government officials. The Surgeon General of the United States (or any public official) should not rely on “googlesearches” (in a personal or public capacity) to fill a narrative.
In my assessment, Dr. Adams should post facts. Period.
Snippet Alert!
The Surgeon General should resign or be fired. Immediately. That’s my narrative. That’s my snippet.
With that, no high ranking publicemployee official has no business writing, or tweeting, or sharing an opinion, or narrative, when data shall speak for itself.
I’ll stick to my guns, check on my wife, and keep my #SGWatch up to see when comprehensive information to adults has been displayed with half the attention the ‘epidemic’ has received.
I’ll readily and publicly admit I’m wrong, but until that happens, Dr. Adams has to answer these questions concerning the ‘epidemic’:
What users were of legal age?
What users didn’t use nicotine?
How many were smoking & switched?
Why is marijuana included with “any vaping“?
Why is “use” defined as in the past thirty days, not daily?
Until that happens, I’ll keep pointing out discrepancies in the narrative of an alleged epidemic, or one of you can convince me why I shouldn’t.
For balance, after the release of and tagging him in this blog: (Coincidence? Doesn’t matter. Snippets.)
Important study, with important caveats: 1) This was done in UK (diff legal/ regulatory environment) in motivated quitters who presented to clinic & 2) trial accompanied meds with behavioral support -> so was Cadillac scenario 3) OK for adults DOESNT mean ecigs are safe for kids.
Oh, that’s right, I’ve got that screenshot snippet from a Dr. Girgis… wait a second… it’s… Yes, legal and regulatory environments. That’s right. No guidelines. Except when.
Snippet alert: showing “restraint”.
I highly recommend what Clive Bates has to say on the alleged U.S. “epidemic“.
THIS one is an eye-openingmust-read for ANY aspect of public health. Your opinions aren’t about your needs. Stop being nannies.
“The average American is like my patient: resentful toward those who tell him or her how to live.”
Vaping In The News covers nicotine,
smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction,
tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies &
more worldwide.
All photos courtesy Moose Jooce Vape Shops, Michigan
FDA: Conflict of Interest or Business As Usual ~ Collusion | Dirty Details of the Coordinated effort to Kill Vaping ~ State of Public Health: Failure ~ Smokeless Tobacco ~ Having Health Insurance Increases Your Risk ~ Does the American Lung Association Really Hate Smokers ~ Why is vaping now more dangerous ~ ATR Leads Coalition ~ It is about church ~
FDA: Conflict of Interest or Business As Usual
Bookmark alert: I’d say this is ass-ripping testimony.
Collusion | Dirty Details of the Coordinated effort to Kill Vaping
Are you paying attention?
Censorship of information and policy, funding interests behind the scenes to fit a controlled narrative of non-profit organizations (of any issue) is clear.
Brent Stafford works very hard with Regulator Watch Canada to disseminate fact from fiction with Michelle Minton here in the U.S.
I, and thousands have been saying this for a very long time.
State of Public Health: Failure
Similar to what I hope you watched just above, I searched for “positive” statements from “health groups“. It took me a substantial amount of time to find them. It makes me “feel and believe” they can say they’ve “said” it, they’re just (unsurprisingly) very quiet about it.
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#SGWatch
On the 5th of February, Surgeon General was quoted below saying nicotine is “pound for pound, as addictive as heroin”:
"A lot of people still think e-cigarettes are not harmful. But studies show that nicotine is, pound for pound, as addictive as heroin." @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams at #CADCAForum Meet and Greet pic.twitter.com/1NhxnXNdll
Then, on the 7th I see this. So far during my ‘one-man’ Surgeon General watch I’ve linked my challenge, Aaron Biebert has asked Dr. Adams politely for an interview, and the thread gets more interesting by the day.
For the record we’ve gone from a definitive statement of “pound for pound, as addictive as heroin”, to “a medical viewpoint-& it’s complicated” in two days.
If you don’t believe this idiotic fight is already a political and money-motivated movement, don’t start now. That said, I’d better see you dressing nice and in your pews on Sunday.
Providing information about less harm barely exists. The State Of Public Health is a failure. The Lung Association just released their “State of Tobacco Control” report. I’ll call it “Ironic Lung Failure”.
Is the number one priority of reducing smoking rates in the United States about less smoking? Is it about complete quitting? Is it about preventing less harm (you read that right)? Or, is it about regulation, restriction, taxation, and the banning of less harmful, smoke-free alternatives to smoking?
Information about less harm? It barely exists.
Ask yourselves why.
Are you confused? That might be by design.
The Surgeon General “said it” by hiding it in a tweet during half-time on Superbowl Sunday. They hide it in soundbites, but they’re not saying it clearly. They avoid it like the plague. If the goal is less smoking, ALL government and public health organizations failed to make the grade in this “public health watch”.
Snus has been around a long time and is very successful in reducing harm in Sweden. The FDA clearly knows about snus, what is taking them so long? More than a decade has passed since vaping products were introduced to the United States.
Some are simply exercising their personal choice not to try them. MILLIONS have switched by choice and word of mouth.
Millions more aremisinformed, “professionals” choosing to misinform the public with Google “alerts” (like this one), or are simply unaware of safer, less harmful alternatives to smoking. Ask yourselves why.
The landscape of “public health” includes a colorful spectrum of explanations – claiming vaping products are:
moredangerous than smoking
as dangerous as smoking
the same as smoking
better than smoking (but)
a way to switch (but)
a safer alternative to smoking
If “smoking is the leading cause of”, what is not making consumers aware vaping products are less harmful, to regulate , restrict, tax or ban less harmful alternatives called?
Reasonable regulation is fine. To define regulation of these products as tobacco is unscientific and irresponsible.
Organizations want restrictions (and bans) of both cigarettes and are including less harmful alternatives for 18, 19, or 20 years old adults, until they are 21. Ask yourselves why.
#PublicHealthRisk #PublicHealthWatch
In taking a look at various public health (government and ‘non-profit’) websites using an “informational search” about e-cigarettes being a less harmful alternative, I found most of the information is hidden, or at best, very difficult to find.
I did not include the obvious caveats before, during or after each statement.
In all quoted statements, all bold / italics are my emphasis, and a link to each statement is provided.
It’s time for public health officials to make a clear decision.
They want less smoking, or they don’t.
They want less harm, or they don’t.
The Lung Association statement to adults about vaping products:
“The Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit. If smokers are ready to quit smoking for good, they should call…”
-0- content for consumers to look for and not find. Read what Dr. Siegel has to say.
Grade: F-
The American Heart Association statement to adults about vaping products:
“E-cigarettes either do not contain or have lower levels of several tobacco-derived harmful and potentially harmful constituents compared with cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. In comparison with NRTs, e-cigarette use has increased at an unprecedented rate, which presents an opportunity for harm reduction if smokers use them as substitutes for cigarettes.”
“Based on currently available evidence, using current generation e-cigarettes is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but the health effects of long-term use are not known. ”
Stating e-cigarettes “do not contain any tobacco” and ‘likely to be significantly less harmful‘ is factual. To elude to “more research” (of which there is plenty of) is warranted but surrounded heavily by doubt.
Stating “less harmful”, then eluding to “health effects” is confusing since the health effects of smoking are known. Nowhere near setting a consumer’s mind at ease.
Grade: F
The Truth Initiative statement to adults about vaping products:
I don’t mind being wrong, and thanks to Dr. Charles Gardner for pointing this one out to me, I didn’t remember it existing.
“Some smokers may be unable or unwilling to quit using nicotine and would benefit by completely switching to a much lower harm nicotine delivery mechanism (including potentially a well-regulated e-cigarette).
“E-cigarettes are far less toxic than cigarettes, but they are not harmless.”
Both of these statements from Truth Initiative are found here.
If I couldn’t find it… how are consumers going to find it?
Grade: F
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids statement to adults about vaping products:
“Under the right circumstances, e-cigarettes could benefit public health if they help significantly reduce the number of people who use combustible cigarettes” This statement from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is hiddenin a PDF here.
Centers for Disease Control statement to adults about vaping products:
“E-cigarettes have the potential to benefit adult smokers who are not pregnant if used as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products. “
This statement is difficult to find and placed here.
According to the CDC, “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death.” A bit easier to find (for me) on their site if you know where to look. They have access to, and are conducting research. Period.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services statement to adults about vaping products:
After the intro of “swirling plumes” and teens, buried in the middle it says
“Yet, while e-cigarettes are less harmful than regular combustible tobacco products—and a possible pathway to tobacco-smoking cessation for adults—the evidence on the effectiveness of these products for helping adult smokers quit completely is still uncertain.”
Is lack of effort of those “in charge” of the best scientific information available acceptable? Is confusing information about less harmful products a productive way to reduce smoking? Should information be hidden under sincere consumer searches depending on honest google searches?
It’s time for public health officials to make a clear decision. They want less smoking, or they don’t. They want less harm, or they don’t. Then, ask them all why.
If “smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths”, and organizations don’t change the conversation, eventually, the country will know the business they are conducting, and the business they’re actually “in”: failure of public health.
Is it coordinated efforts to keep the public from information?
You bet it is:
This video from Brent Stafford at Regulator Watch with Michelle Minton is astounding.
Collusion | Dirty Details of the Coordinated effort to Kill Vaping
Michelle Minton can be found here, here, and what is discussed above, here)
Vaping In The News covers nicotine, smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, harm reduction, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies & more worldwide.
“The largest threat to Public Health is an informed consumer.”
Vaperatti: Lawsuit for the Win, Ban Opposition for the Loss ~ Researchers Must Listen To Vapers ~ FDA knew stop smoking product clinical trials not science-based ~ You Don’t Know Nicotine ~ Children in vape shops ~ Senator Burr (R-NC), much more than menthol cigarettes ~ Unacceptable Behavior by Tobacco Control Researchers ~ In case you missed it ~ Time flies ~
Vaperatti: Lawsuit for the Win, Ban Opposition for the Loss
The ‘fight’ seems to be consistently putting out fires.
The definition of nicotine as tobacco (it isn’t), Nicotine addiction without tobacco and MAOI’s (it isn’t), and gateways (that don’t exist). If you’re interested, opinion
Speaking of #nicotine, a new film in the works “You Don’t Know Nicotine” is already very close to it’sinitial 1st goal with 296 supporters. This independent film has (so far) raised $44,612, and is now featured as a Project We Love” by Kickstarter.
More here in her tweet, including followups in this link
She’s seen toddlers and teens inside in vape shops (not necessarily buying products). If the parents were smoking, those toddlers would be exposed to… oh never mind. After looking, surprise, she did a study I’ll link with my standard ‘do not link‘.
For a perspective, this blog has mentioned concerns of air quality before:
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Senator Burr (R-NC), much more than menthol cigarettes
Senator Burr takes the Food and Drug Administration to task – from menthol cigarettes to the “tobacco control act”, to children unable to purchase adult prodcts, to adult choice and… well, I won’t spoil it for you, but I haven’t seen a Senator fired up about this topic in some time.
I realized yesterday four years have passed since releasing the results of the Vaping Truth Survey. Thinking of Charle’s blog above and listening to vapers… After all, we’re supposed to take their word for all things health, why can’t they take ours?
When I made the survey, I barely knew a soul and didn’t know there even was a ‘vaping community’. I appreciate anyone who took the survey, I appreciate all who were behind it from the start.
Dr. Gottlieb of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tweeted “e-cigs can help currently addicted adult smokers quit; and improve their health.” If you had internet connection issues yesterday, it may have been jolting shocks of horror from ‘experts’ seeing what he tweeted.
This isn’t the first reference to less harm, Dr. Gottlieb has passivelystated in the past: “If you could take every adult smoker and fully switch them to e-cigarettes, that would have a substantial public health impact”. He’s also stated:
“E-cigarettes may present an important opportunity for adult smokers to transition off combustible tobacco products and onto nicotine delivery products that may not have the same level of risks associated with them.” (Source)
That’s pretty big news no one is hearing over the incessant chanting from others. If a “substantial public health impact” is a goal, Dr. Gottlieb will have to speak up. (I can barely hear him.) How about, oh – I don’t know, maybe a press conference with a mandatory presence of the alleged “health leaders” for a start.
Dr. Gottlieb will have to speak up if a “substantial public health impact” is a goal:
In the four years (hard to believe, today) since the release of the results of my consumer survey, I have finally seen a credible and official statement saying “e-cigs can help currently addicted adult smokers quit; and improve their health.” from the Commissioner of the FDA.
This isn’t a secret. No one is listening. It’s something consumers have said all along.
I can’t be so arrogant to believe these tweets came from my urging, but I was shocked to read what Dr. Gottlieb said. Maybe he isn’t using his (this is funny) mute button! I’m skeptical, he’s at least tweeted it – with a comment about improving health. Twice. Vape shops are not permitted to say that. In my book, it’s better than a poke in the eye.
I can’t ask for… Wait, if the goal of reducing smoking is the goal, I’ll expect much more.
In my excitement, I mistakenly linked the Surgeon General from his personal account on a few nudges. However, I included him in other tweets in his “official” capacity. So far, no reference to this new study has been made from his personal or official account.
No “health group” has mentioned Alex Azar’s statement below. This information is NOT foreign to Dr. Adams or Dr. Gottlieb. They were present when U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Azar spoke these words:
Those ‘experts‘ I referred to above? The horror must’ve made them leave early to grab their favorite flavored Starbucks coffee. With Gottlieb making a statement like he did, I was eager to see if the American Heart, Lung, Cancer, or even Tobacco-Free Kids may, might, or could have mentioned it.
In conducting a quick general twitter search for the article link and found –ZERO– mentions from those organizations front groups. So much for a public health impact.
If smoking is “the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world”… and all “health” organizations are about health, and improving health, then why does my pal DrMA below need to raise awareness of their omission a day after Gottlieb’s statement …
The headlines are wonderful, the truth is the average number of attempts for a smoker to stop is 30. The success rates of gums and patches are about 7%. The average success of e-cigarettes is 70% (low end), or more, and they know it, government funded research proves it. Downplaying it, giving it no attention isn’t informing the public. That doesn’t improve health.
Change The Conversation
It’s time for public health and politicians to make a decision:
They want less smoking, or they don’t.
They want less harm, or they don’t.”
CALL THEM OUT
If making public health a priority and “improving health” is their goal… With all we do know, EVERY single township, official, city, who have regulated, restricted or banned 18, 19, and 20-year-olds from less harm and choice should be questioned – having an opportunity to explain themselves.
EVERY news outlet should be screaming about improving health with e-cigarettes, and interviewing every single township, official, city, health group and expert in the area who restricted or banned those choices.
Consumers (like me) take it upon themselves to blog, tweet, write their representatives out of passion and conviction. If I’m doing it wrong, I’m willing to learn.
This just happened. At least that’s what I heard. This is 2019. (“Hi, Fig”!)
These are the types of thing you may not be aware you, as a business, giving smokers a healthier option, are up against:
Careen is responding to my “Vape Shop” photo. I imagine she’s being engaged with. Link.
It’s time for vape shops/industry to make a decision as well.
I know, love, and respect some business owners who are fighting by themselves for their customers, and future customers, either through a local or state industry organizations. If you’re not aware, you’re not doing yourselves any favors.
If you are in business giving smokers a healthier alternative to smoking and don’t change the conversation quickly with local, state and national lawmakers…… ahh, who am I to say what you should do. After all, it is your business.
I would read about this (here and here, or listen to this man and act accordingly with any representatives about youth, adult choices less harmful products, and more here:
Award-winning independent filmmaker Aaron Biebert is on the move again. He and his core team are ready to get to work on his new ground-breaking documentary, “You Don’t Know Nicotine”. In just four days, momentum is building quickly towards the first goal of funding this new film.
How does nicotine actually affect developing brains?
Are there any benefits to adults who use nicotine without smoking?
Who’s covering up the truth about nicotine, and why?
Updated 1/30/2019: “Thanks to you, our project is currently the #1 most popular film project on Kickstarter!”
What they say
Varied statements of nicotine being as addictive as “heroin and cocaine” have been made for decades. They don’t just say it, they areassertiveabout it.
Action on Smoking and Health quotes Dr. Gottlieb stating it “rivals the addictive power of heroin and cocaine. For teens, it is particularly risky” and it “can rewire an adolescent’s brain“.
Cliff Douglas, “Vice-President Tobacco Control, American Cancer Society, and faculty, University of Michigan School of Public Health” states nicotine leads to changes in the brain.
“The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie–deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic…”
Are There Benefits? Are they right?
Think about it: is nicotine addictive? Is it dangerous? What are the health risks? Can it harm brain development? Are there benefits to the chemical?
What are they hiding?
Is there justification to what you’ve been told about nicotine or is the information outdated? Is what they say taken out of context? Do some of the people repeating it know it’s true or false?
“Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations…”
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Is there a controversy?
The subject matter of this film is intriguing to me. In March of 2017, and in collaboration with others, I conducted a “30-day NicotineChallenge (with criteria: still uncontested).
What I expect from Aaron Biebart and his seasoned team is thought-provoking truth. I am looking foward to their findings, good or bad.
Why has this not been explored before?
Like his last award-winning independent film, I’m fascinated to see this subject taken head-on. I expect the public health community to line up (in an orderly fashion) to take unprecedented opportunity to explain themselves intelligently and end the debate publicly.
I also expect some to ignore it.
We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. ~John F. Kennedy
Searching for answers
While getting to the bottom of this, I expect – and predict – this director will enlighten us in the process, bringing this subject front and center, telling the world what we don’t know about nicotine.
I fully support this project because I understand the freedom of expression without outside influence. I understand educating the public is much less about ego and much more about education.
Regardless of the outcome, I look forward to the opportunity of discomfort of thought.
I’ll leave you with what the Kickstarter page says:
“We will chase down as many experts (willing & unwilling) as our budget allows. It’s time to get answers from all sides of this debate.”
If you’re interested, you can pitch in as little as $5.00 or much more, with levels and rewards being different, such as your name in the credits, an early streaming link, honoring a loved one who died from a smoking-related or brain-related illness, a public screening license, and much more – up to and including the “Tater Tot” level.
The Surgeon General wants everyone to nod in agreement on some things. While some of you may, some of you may want to turn your head – as I’ll be taking a different approach for this blog. Let the record show, I’m being *nice.
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams,(MD) decided to clarify all things youth, e-cigarettes, and ‘epidemic’ on his personal Twitter account.
(All tweets below and his account are found here, or in replies, here)
I found it intriguing (as did others) he would take this route. Of course, a disclaimer on his personal twitter feed states, for safety: “Tweets/RT don’t represent endorsement or my employer.”
There is no valid reason to threaten (adult) access to vaping products. There is no valid reason to threaten small businesses providing smokers the option of less harm.
Why is there is a risk of restricting, taxing, or banning less smoking in any form.
“Applying this proportion to the 2018 data would suggest about 4% of high school students are daily users (this compares to the headline 20.8% use in the past 30-days).”
WARNING: The following could, may, or might contain any or all of the following from Dr. Jerome Adams.
This was before the official announcement on Dec. 18th.
I thought teachers and parents couldn’t… but they’re everywhere… Think of the children™…
“Hard to obtain”
“Hard to use around adults”
“Few youth use any nicotine product (even cigarettes) daily”
( I thought they were “easy to conceal”, hiding them in plain site?)
🎯 Instead, let’s use past 30-day use as a better metric, showing “potential” to teachers and parents. Not only does it sound contrived, inflated potential is also scary.
While you ponder your denial of an epidemic coming up over the course of this blog, bring your nose closer to the screen. Sound out the words. Take your time. I had to!
🎯 Seeming indifference and denial is the biggest threat (not youth use).
Out of context, he’s referring to patches and other methods here.
🎯 1st tweet: Complete denial of the epidemic is the biggest threat to adult access. Complete denial. Huh.
🎯 2nd tweet: 30 day use (remember above) is a definitivemedically defined epidemic.
Again, below the “constant denial” is the biggest threat to less harm.
🎯 The second of the two is one of my favorite tweets. Feelings VS definitions on 30 day use.
Medical Definition of Epidemic:
“The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given awareness.. A sudden severe outbreak of a disease such as SARS.” (Link)
The Carnival Barker’s definition of an “epidemic”
🎯 “If folks can’t accept using official medical / health definitions, then we can’t have a real discussion”. “
Medical Definition of Epidemic: The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given time period. A sudden severe outbreak of a disease such as SARS. (Link)
🎯 Referring to an “epidemic” is a play on the word as an adjective, not as a noun. The bias of the definition “interpret data accordingly” and “metrics” – referring to 30-day use rather than ‘daily use’, as Clive described above, is propaganda.
Here, the “Primary threat” isn’t “him” or most public health advocates… it’s YOU.
🎯 He’s trying to help.
I’ll let you see the 3rd for yourself. Go on, now. Don’t be afraid.
Here’s sadly what happens when lack of information, education and contrived panics occur.
HE’s not talking about….limiting access.
🎯 Well – then there’s balance. But good luck!
On the third in this set, feelings, (not science or data) are bigger threat than anything he could ever say.
Below, his statement on the first tweet: vaping products work, but lack of balance is coming from “national sentiment”. Wait, sentimentis “an attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling”.
The second, it seems what he posts is what the nation feels, or agrees with.
🎯 (Lots of obvious feelings, *oops I meant “science” in that Google alert on the third.) *I’m being nice.
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🎯 Now, he’s clear. Education and awareness . Can’t do much about the feelings of parents and communities. It’s out of his hands.
2nd: ALL must say and do their part to preserve this option. Huh.
Third, good luck (again!!!)
🎯 This ‘existential threat’ — is because of “continual refusal to acknowledge” thing is really… *getting on my nerves. (*I’m being nice.)
Trying to be funny with a pun. Uh oh, parents and teachers again.
WHAT are YOU doing to help?
🎯 I’m very *relieved the Surgeon General is not basing his findings on feelings. Wait! We can all work together. Uh oh, feelings are in the mix. Then, it’s not a threat. (*I’m being nice.)
Parents and teachers…. a showdown, and needing more acknowledgement is apparent.
🎯 In fact, we all need to work together, or there will be NO OTHER CHOICE from parents, communities, teachers to push for elimination.
Acknowledgement again.
1st tweet below – the reference (out of context) is about approved methods to quit smoking here, but is true for vaping products (and mentioned) as well.
Second – well… *careful what you threaten, above you said “the threat isn’t from Government”. (*I’m being nice.)
On the 1st below, as a consumer, I expect you to do your *job. The fact becomes opinion. (*I’m being nice.)
On the 2nd, the ‘debate’ is contrived by effort, not real interest. Name calling. Appropriate or not, public official: feelings. If feelings are hurt, please see here, or here…
🎯 On the third, it isn’t lessened, the chances of being “heard” remain the same.
🎯 The 1st below – “respectfully you still aren’t listing to (or ignoring)”
2nd: “lessens chances….”
🎯 3rd: I will keep calling a contrived set of monthly numbers a fraudulent and fabricated epidemic.
Finally a bit more of the feelings and name calling – meh. You are a public official.
For “credibility” the Surgeon General states publicly:
🎯 1/3rd youth who vape are vaping marijuana”.
Wait, the monthly ‘epidemic’ numbers are 1/3rd marijuana use? Wait, one-third of the monthly numbers are not “nicotine”? And “advocates” are expected, threatened and almost demanded to “acknowledge concern” and *admit there’s a problem? (*I’m being nice.)
The office of the Surgeon General states “Surgeon General provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.”
(*Updated* 1/29) In the duties of providing the “best scientific information available”, this is where he doesn’t in his role as Surgeon General.
Stated in one of the tweets above “complete switch to ecigs better than smoking many times”. So far, the Surgeon General has chosen to “dutifully”, unequivocally, with prejudice, advocate the regulation, restriction, tax, and ban of what is a far less harmful product.”
I once admired “authority figures”. I presumed I was always being told the truth by those holding offices, titles, and degrees. Then, by accident, I didn’t smoke anymore. Slowly, over time, I’ve found appearances, power, prestige, fancy titles, and proof by assertion from those in charge – *demand respect rather than earning or deserving it. (*I’m being nice.)
For me to subscribe to anyone coerced into submission, I’ll need to see facts first. In fact, I am concerned and want answers. In fact, I’ve been asking for answers. In fact, if I saw a concern:
In fact, to suggest “vapers” are not concerned or to accuse anyone of “not listening” or ignoring anything is *unprofessional and *childish. (*I’m being nice.)
I’ve been asking, and addressing this concern for some time.
Funny you *mention “indifference”. Along with others you are *berating, I have been “concerned”. (*I’m being nice.)
I asked the UCSF Children’s Medical Center for data.
In June of 2017I inquired with American Academy of Pediatrics President Collen Kraft.
In November 2018, I asked the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
For me, to “work” *together”, I’ll need to see more than claims of children consistently being “treated” for “nicotine addiction” and diagnosis of “brain damage” by pediatricians. I don’t find my request wanting case studies, data, progress, outcomes, results “unreasonable”. With a ‘meteoric’ rise, surely, these studies must exist. (*I’m being nice.)
I’ll need to see groups of children stealing patches and gums from Walgreens to get their nicotine. Those can be hidden from adults to satisfy the alleged “uncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of” nicotine in any and all forms.
“You don’t see nicotine junkies breaking into Walgreens to steal nicotine gum” ~ Aaron Biebert
So far, I’ve seen an orchestrated coordinated effort to convince the public of things that are *not true. (*I’m being nice.)
“You should fight for your lives and your health. It is absolutely irresponsible and dangerous behavior to ban e-cigarettes.”
~ Dr. Farsalinos
Added 012/06/2019:
From November 30th: “E-cigs and vaping as harm reduction not inherently a problem (though we need to continue research to ensure overall & max harm reduction)”………..
This is the only tweet I can see offhand worth its salt, and it is on his personal account, not the Surgeon General account.
Fig said it best:
🎯 “I blame Scott Gottleib and Jerome Adams & the multitude of other “leaders” of healthcare for their misinformation campaigns against vapor, for such vile lies that are coming out of our public health agencies. It’s zero wonder why public trust is fading.”
🎯 “Thousands of American vapor businesses are at risk of closing their doors & filing bankruptcy, because of the antics of Scott Gottleib & Jerome Adams.”
“Never stop fighting for what’s right”
~ Agent Ania
“If you see vaping consumer advocates constantly ranting on, it’s because we are trying to stop you lot fucking it up.”
~ Sarah Jakes
There’s only one solution – Unity and aggression.
~ECF, Oliver Kershaw
Let the record show, I’m being nice. Let parents and teachers do their jobs. I’ll suggest you man up and step up, or step aside, Dr. Adams. Otherwise, I’m a couple times behind on telling you to *kiss my ass. (*I’m being nice.)
This blog, because she liked snark, is dedicated to AgentAnia.
Vaping In The News covers media stories on smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies and more worldwide.
“The largest threat to Public Health is an informed consumer.”
You Don’t Know Nicotine ~ The great American youth vaping epidemic. Really? ~ The FDA hearing that wasn’t ~ The Impact of E-Cigarette Warnings ~ Burning Sub-Ohm ~ Bucking Bad Legislation in the Buckeye State ~ Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions (U.S.A.) 2009 – 2016 ~ A Meme
You Don’t Know Nicotine
Aaron Biebert, Director of A Billion Lives, announced his new project during his visit in Oklahoma City at Vapers Carnivale:
If you’re interested, you can pitch in as little as $5.00 or much more, with levels and rewards being different, up to and including the “Tater Tot” level!
You can find my interview via THR4Life with Aaron here.
The great American youth vaping epidemic. Really?
With the lack of being a professional statistician or researcher, I did my improvisational best covering the Surgeon General’s affirmation of the U.S. teen ‘epidemic’. I questioned the absence of daily data and babbled about it as I do.
Here, Clive Bates, someone I admire, explains what I could not, well beyond my expectations.
Speaking of curing children, and a fraudulent epidemic, the FDA took it upon itself to hold a public hearing on the youth vaping “epidemic”. Instead of a balanced conversation between harm reduction proponents and anti-tobacco activists, the hearing became a one-sided stage for fanatics.
Next up… contrived epidemic. Our friend Chris just below explains the “epidemic” was a plot (graphic below found here) to start with from this tweet in November of last year.
I’m not sure what to call this study. Note it was submitted on the 21st of September 2018. In the theme of warnings, something the ‘epidemic’ was based on, this short paper shows an “online experiment” and ‘“brain” and “chemicals” warnings’ were higher discouraging youth from e-cigarettes.
Paul puts common sense down so even I can understand it. I don’t sub-ohm. I’m certainly no mathematician, but I do understand researchers must have fire extinguishers ready at all times.
Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions (U.S.A.) 2009 – 2016
“Reports of 195 separate e-cigarette fire and explosion incidents in the U.S. were found, dating from January 2009 to Dec 31, 2016. In 68 percent of these incidents, 133 acute injuries were reported. No deaths were reported during the study period.”
Over the course of time, I’ve made my share of amateur graphics, “memes”. In the spirit and need for ALL of us to change the conversation, I asked Chris Hughes if I could use his photos for this blog in 2016, and again below.
Thanks to you who’ve shared it. It seems to have hit a nerve.
Vaping In The News covers media
stories on smoking, vaping, snus, heat not burn, e-cigarettes, exposing
tobacco control, public health, government, regulations, policies and
more worldwide.
“The largest threat to Public Health is an informed consumer.”
E-cigarettes OK to Quit Smoking ~ Vaping is Much Safer Than Smoking ~ NYU: “Substantially Less Harmful Than Cigarettes”. ~ Vaping and the Mic ~ A Harm Reduction Guide for Parents of Teens Who Vape ~ What do cigarette smokers think of vapers who are against tobacco? ~ Solution Announced for Vaping Cessation ~ Alternative Nicotine Delivery Options ~ Health, Science, & Technology Requests for Proposals ~ Clowns ~ Let’s Change The Conversation
E-Cigarettes OK to Quit Smoking
Imagine my surprise when our friend Ed West linked this from 2018. Inside it says “researcher Thomas Brandon, Ph.D., director of Moffitt’s Tobacco Research and Intervention Program” says the fear of vaping being as harmful as smoking is a “broadly held misconception”.
Ask your public health and elected officials why this has been buried for almost a year.
NYU Publishes Article Supporting Vaping As “Substantially Less Harmful Than Cigarettes”.
Dr. David Abrams of New York University agrees with Public Health England’s 2015 report. According to this article, he knows vaping products are “substantially less harmful than cigarettes“:
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I was proudly a guest on Vaping and the Mic with Mike Peterson on Smoke-Free Radio. We had a little chat about… things…
A Harm Reduction Guide for Parents of Teens Who Vape
I did an inquisition of sorts of the ‘epidemic’ of teen vaping with the fraudulent claim the Surgeon General has approved here.
Helen Redmond has this to say:
“The survey produced large-seeming percentages by asking teens if they’d vaped in the past month, the past year, or ever, but omitted to ask about the most frequent use, which you’d think would be the cause of most concern.”
Definitive Agreement Marks Milestone for Alternative Nicotine Delivery Options
I can almost hear the slapping of palms on foreheads in California. Either way, tobacco companies are progressing forward with less harm in spite, or… well.
