Electronic cigarette industry was once again vaulted into the national spotlight. But this time it's not an intellectual struggle and debate. This time it's a tragedy.
When the owner of Green Electronic cigarette nicotine, Sean Schoepflin, heard about the recent failure of the industry with the participation of Mr. Holloway and his e-cigarette, he released the following statement.
"My heart goes out to Mr. Holloway. Here is a man who clearly wanted to improve their lives and the lives of those he loves. His e-cigarette is not a novelty item, as evidenced by the presence of several cells in the study. Perhaps he was trying to Dozens of other products to help him get out of the traditional tobacco and settled on an alternative that looks tastes and feels like the real thing. He was devoted to the product itself, which he hopes to improve their quality of life.
"Electronic cigarette industry has a chance to change the world, but it is full of products that are clearly made from the lower components and overwhelmed by the companies only concern turns a quick profit. Real problem lies at the heart of what both accepted and encouraged in this industry. Putting profit before moral responsibility to help people is really disappoints me that the industry with such amazing potential to change the world has failed and that Mr. Holloway was a victim of such a blatant betrayal.
It is clear that our industry provides the basis for the work of global change. But this progress is rapidly being destroyed. Angles can not be cut when it comes to research, development and quality control. This means that the costs of maintaining the electronic cigarette company will grow, but it's a product that is consumed, not sunglasses. Our clients trust that we provide high quality products in the industry. There is absolutely no Sorry for the bad quality components.
"This kind of shoddy craftsmanship must end now. From the quality control of sales practices that should be self-regulation before the electronic cigarette industry is not. Electronic Cigarette companies should stop acting unethically and irresponsibly. How long will this hold up the child a bottle of" e-juice ", and taken to the hospital because of it? Or to our school are captured by new smokers, who were represented by the nicotine taste like strawberry banana or coconut As long as cheap components cause more harm than good?
Electronic cigarette industry has a tremendous amount of energy. But now that power is currently used to increase profits, and not change a life. This industry had the opportunity to self-regulation and failed miserably. Legitimate e-cigarette companies should be requested outside of the regulation that protects our consumers. We must unite and seeking legal means to make a real difference to the lessons of the tragedy, Mr. Holloway did not forget.
"As for those, E-Cigarette companies who put profit before their moral duty of man: If your thought process does not immediately change direction, be sure to increase your bank account and fantastic profits, eventually evaporate you run this industry to extinction deceptive marketing practices ... and shortcuts in research and development will destroy all the possibilities that lie before us. The industry needs people with high moral character and corporations with an unwavering conviction to improve our world. "
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Big Tobacco is preparing for the switch box
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Australia has one of the lowest in the world of smoking, less than one in five people, but it still will be a key battleground for the tobacco industry in 2012.
Since the beginning of December in the strict laws against smoking in the world, tobacco companies will sell their products in the same gray box, no logo, but with graphic images of smoking-related diseases. Trademarks may still appear, but the default font on the front of each package.
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Big Tobacco began to aggressively fight back with a simple law of the package. Restrictions on the $ 9.5 billion a year market for smoking in Australia, do not pose a big threat to profits. But most concern is that, like the ban on smoking in public places is distributed from California around the world, the movement in Australia can spread to the $ 161bn market cigarettes in the European Union and beyond.
Some analysts even increase the likelihood that emerging markets can implement similar laws giving big tobacco even more problems.
"Obviously, it is possible others will follow," said Michael Prideaux, Director of Corporate Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT), who described the move to plain packaging as part of the "de-normalize tobacco use."
A person familiar with internal discussions at Philip Morris International (PMI), the second largest in the world stock of cigarettes in terms of sales, said: "This is the alpha and omega because tobacco companies are interested."
The European Union is considering the introduction of plain packaging as part of the proposed changes to the regulation of tobacco is expected later this year. The UK Department of Health is due to publish the results of its consultation on plain packaging in the spring.
The battle lines are already drawn. In the UK Tobacco Imperial, BAT and Japan Tobacco (JTI) have helped to shape the libertarian style of campaign group "Hands off our packages." He urged his supporters not to say that "more Nanny State dictates."
"Our main argument is that people are informed and should be allowed to have an adult choice," said Paul Williams, head of corporate relations in the JTI. "The ban could force their way to alcohol and obesity."
JTI, PMI and the Australian arms of BAT and Imperial all the legal problems began within a few days, the Australian Act passed in November last year, the federal parliament in Canberra.
They argue, simply breaking the law package the Australian constitution, will cost taxpayers billions of lost excise duty, and will be a boon for cigarette smugglers. They say there is no evidence that it will reduce smoking. The High Court of Australia is expected to hear the case in April.
But privately, all tobacco companies are preparing for life after a simple package. In particular, they consider how to market different brands of cigarettes that look the same.
"Word of mouth will become increasingly important," said Mr. Prideaux. "We have to distinguish between the products of different [than in the past] ... probably more to taste, to give consumers what they want to talk."
There is a growing concern among big tobacco that price wars can ensue.
"Without a brand, how do you mark?" Said Peter Nixon, Vice President of Communications PMI. "We believe the brand will have a choice strikers to be about the price ... we will see price drops, so we are likely to see profits fall."
In the past year, PMI published the internal investigation; see FT, in which he predicted the average price of cigarettes, falling to 19 percent if a simple package was implemented in the company to compete on price.
The cost will be difficult in emerging markets, where companies try to convince the new middle class consumers in the trade up to premium brands.
Jonathan Fell, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, said he was not worried about the reduction of short-term rates of smoking, tobacco companies have the ability to achieve high prices can be questioned.
"It's clearly something investors will be interested if it is implemented," he said. "I do not think there's a lot of differences between developed and developing countries in terms of regulation. In countries such as Brazil and South Africa in the past, they tend to quickly capture and implement what others have done."
Publicly, the companies are confident in the victory of their cause by a court in Australia. If the court to force the government to retreat, they hope it will serve as a model for other states considering the simple laws of the package.
Alex Parsons, director of corporate communications at Imperial, said he does not believe will be immediately "domino effect".
"I think the others will wait and see how it plays in Australia," he said.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Alcohol, smoking down, depressed high up on the Framingham
Cigarette and alcohol use was reduced by Framingham High School and High School, while marijuana use, bullying and depression have increased, according to the latest MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey.
In general, there have been some positive developments identified in the 2010 contribution to the biennial questionnaire MetroWest Health Foundation, Framingham High principal Mike Welch said at the presentation in the evening school board Tuesday. But after a few releases, including an absolute increase in the number of reports of suicidal thoughts, are cause for concern.
"That's probably what we saw in the most alarming data," said Welch.
Taken at the school and the seventh and eighth grades in Framingham MetroWest and other towns in 2006, 122-question multiple-choice examination is now starting to show some clear trends, officials say. Cigarette smoking and drinking declined by 4.9 percent and 6.8 percent respectively in high school during those four years, for example. Violence is also a 2.7 per cent during this period.
The use of marijuana, meanwhile, grew up in middle school, and remained about the same in secondary schools. Welch attributed the increase to the decriminalization of drug use in Massachusetts, three years ago, which led to a cavalier attitude among students.
"We have kids come to us and say," Well, it's not forbidden anymore, "he said.
Bullying victimization reports have increased by almost 10 percent in high school - nearly twice the rate of 5 percent of MetroWest.
Part of that is probably associated with great attention the issue received as a result of suicide Phoebe Prince in South Hadley and the subsequent response of the state two years ago to adopt new anti-bullying law, officials said.
"You have to accept that, in context," said Welch. "I think that leads to an imbalance in response to a certain extent."
A more promising development is that bullying seems to decline steadily as students got older, reaching the seventh grade. It was reported more often girls than boys, Welch said.
The challenge for teachers and administrators, students become aware that bullying is actually said Walsh High School Key Teresa Carney.
"You will find different definitions depending on who you ask," she said.
Officials said, trying new health education programs, sharing of resources between schools and the distribution of pamphlets and holding informational meetings has been helpful in this regard.
More upsetting officials reported a sharp increase in suicidal thoughts. The level of students who answered they considered suicide is almost twice in high school since 2006, and was significantly higher among girls than boys, Welch said.
The problem is that "schools are not mental health," he said, which creates a double challenge for schools to provide students with access to outside social services while keeping them engaged in class. Framingham High has recently received a two-year grant of $ 150,000 from the MetroWest Health Foundation to hire more staff to help students deal with mental health problems.
This is the ultimate guide counselors, social workers, nurses and other staff who help students struggle with depression and stress to go through the school day, officials said.
"We could not do it without them," said Carney. "They do a terrific job."
In general, there have been some positive developments identified in the 2010 contribution to the biennial questionnaire MetroWest Health Foundation, Framingham High principal Mike Welch said at the presentation in the evening school board Tuesday. But after a few releases, including an absolute increase in the number of reports of suicidal thoughts, are cause for concern.
"That's probably what we saw in the most alarming data," said Welch.
Taken at the school and the seventh and eighth grades in Framingham MetroWest and other towns in 2006, 122-question multiple-choice examination is now starting to show some clear trends, officials say. Cigarette smoking and drinking declined by 4.9 percent and 6.8 percent respectively in high school during those four years, for example. Violence is also a 2.7 per cent during this period.
The use of marijuana, meanwhile, grew up in middle school, and remained about the same in secondary schools. Welch attributed the increase to the decriminalization of drug use in Massachusetts, three years ago, which led to a cavalier attitude among students.
"We have kids come to us and say," Well, it's not forbidden anymore, "he said.
Bullying victimization reports have increased by almost 10 percent in high school - nearly twice the rate of 5 percent of MetroWest.
Part of that is probably associated with great attention the issue received as a result of suicide Phoebe Prince in South Hadley and the subsequent response of the state two years ago to adopt new anti-bullying law, officials said.
"You have to accept that, in context," said Welch. "I think that leads to an imbalance in response to a certain extent."
A more promising development is that bullying seems to decline steadily as students got older, reaching the seventh grade. It was reported more often girls than boys, Welch said.
The challenge for teachers and administrators, students become aware that bullying is actually said Walsh High School Key Teresa Carney.
"You will find different definitions depending on who you ask," she said.
Officials said, trying new health education programs, sharing of resources between schools and the distribution of pamphlets and holding informational meetings has been helpful in this regard.
More upsetting officials reported a sharp increase in suicidal thoughts. The level of students who answered they considered suicide is almost twice in high school since 2006, and was significantly higher among girls than boys, Welch said.
The problem is that "schools are not mental health," he said, which creates a double challenge for schools to provide students with access to outside social services while keeping them engaged in class. Framingham High has recently received a two-year grant of $ 150,000 from the MetroWest Health Foundation to hire more staff to help students deal with mental health problems.
This is the ultimate guide counselors, social workers, nurses and other staff who help students struggle with depression and stress to go through the school day, officials said.
"We could not do it without them," said Carney. "They do a terrific job."
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Legislation looks to lift smoking bans
Kurt Hill remembers when the state ban on smoking in all institutions to take effect.
As the owner of Tap Hill in Genoa, he knew that the bar can take a hit in business, if the regulars are no longer allowed to have a with a drink, which is why he ignored the law. But after two penalties and the threat of losing a license, Hill completed regulation.
Five years later, there is a chance, such as creating Tap Hill could pull out the ashtray again.
State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, has introduced legislation in Springfield that will give municipalities the choice of whether or not they want to offer smoking licenses for bars, casinos, a veteran of communication and adult entertainment clubs.
Similar measures failed in the past and support may be lacking, and even once reluctant Hill sees no need to bring smoking back to bars.
"I sort of clear air ... most people are accustomed to it," Hill said. "I do not know if it was good or bad for business. Nobody has the money anyway."
DeLuca said he was not trying to circumvent the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, but to give power back to local authorities. To prevent the spread of benefits, DeLuca included stringent requirements for the organization to be eligible.
The bar for a license, he must prove at least 10 percent of revenue comes from food sales. Any institution seeking a license must notify the employees and to establish air filtration systems that meet international standards of Mechanical Code.
"I support the Illinois smoking law, I just feel that it is unreasonable" DeLuca said. "This is about enabling companies and municipalities to decide whether this is good."
Even if the proposal passed DeLuca of Springfield, there can be little support from the district and local authorities.
DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said that there is little chance the city will offer a smoking license and called the proposal "irresponsible." Povlsen has long advocated a ban on smoking in public places, even working on the introduction of restrictions on smoking in DeKalb, before he was mayor, and before the state took up the matter.
"I am very disappointed in our legislators that they would even consider it," said Povlsen. "Tell them to work on the finances."
Creating an exception can also create a slippery slope and negate one of the most stringent smoking laws in the country, said Greg Morris, director of environmental health of DeKalb County.
County Health Department is responsible for complying with the smoking ban and allow exceptions would make it more difficult to identify criminals, he said Morris. He also said that "guarantees" such as air filtration systems remove the smoke, but leave harmful chemicals in the air.
"All the evidence explained the consequences," said Maurice smoking in public places. "It would be detrimental to anyone, where the license will be smoking."
Past efforts have not succeeded in resolving smoking in these establishments. Although Bob Gosnell appreciates the thought, he sees no need to smoke.
Gosnell, a trustee at the American Legion Post 66 DeKalb, said he heard the argument that smoking in veterans' organizations, because their services, but he does not believe people should be above the law.
Gosnell said the withdrawal could lead to an unfair playing field, and even as a smoker, he grew to enjoy the atmosphere of smoke-free.
"The law is the law, and only because we're veterans does not mean that we should be able to break it," he said. "It's not a problem. We could discuss this, but I do not think that we will never vote for him."
One city official more open to this idea, though not fully supported.
Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said that it should be a local issue and is something Council could discuss if it did not work, but it will be a difficult decision.
"Since the smoking ban came into effect, I keep hearing people say that they are happy, even smokers," said Mundy. "I would not say no to it immediately .... We had our sweet time and look at it six ways to Sunday."
As the owner of Tap Hill in Genoa, he knew that the bar can take a hit in business, if the regulars are no longer allowed to have a with a drink, which is why he ignored the law. But after two penalties and the threat of losing a license, Hill completed regulation.
Five years later, there is a chance, such as creating Tap Hill could pull out the ashtray again.
State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, has introduced legislation in Springfield that will give municipalities the choice of whether or not they want to offer smoking licenses for bars, casinos, a veteran of communication and adult entertainment clubs.
Similar measures failed in the past and support may be lacking, and even once reluctant Hill sees no need to bring smoking back to bars.
"I sort of clear air ... most people are accustomed to it," Hill said. "I do not know if it was good or bad for business. Nobody has the money anyway."
DeLuca said he was not trying to circumvent the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, but to give power back to local authorities. To prevent the spread of benefits, DeLuca included stringent requirements for the organization to be eligible.
The bar for a license, he must prove at least 10 percent of revenue comes from food sales. Any institution seeking a license must notify the employees and to establish air filtration systems that meet international standards of Mechanical Code.
"I support the Illinois smoking law, I just feel that it is unreasonable" DeLuca said. "This is about enabling companies and municipalities to decide whether this is good."
Even if the proposal passed DeLuca of Springfield, there can be little support from the district and local authorities.
DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said that there is little chance the city will offer a smoking license and called the proposal "irresponsible." Povlsen has long advocated a ban on smoking in public places, even working on the introduction of restrictions on smoking in DeKalb, before he was mayor, and before the state took up the matter.
"I am very disappointed in our legislators that they would even consider it," said Povlsen. "Tell them to work on the finances."
Creating an exception can also create a slippery slope and negate one of the most stringent smoking laws in the country, said Greg Morris, director of environmental health of DeKalb County.
County Health Department is responsible for complying with the smoking ban and allow exceptions would make it more difficult to identify criminals, he said Morris. He also said that "guarantees" such as air filtration systems remove the smoke, but leave harmful chemicals in the air.
"All the evidence explained the consequences," said Maurice smoking in public places. "It would be detrimental to anyone, where the license will be smoking."
Past efforts have not succeeded in resolving smoking in these establishments. Although Bob Gosnell appreciates the thought, he sees no need to smoke.
Gosnell, a trustee at the American Legion Post 66 DeKalb, said he heard the argument that smoking in veterans' organizations, because their services, but he does not believe people should be above the law.
Gosnell said the withdrawal could lead to an unfair playing field, and even as a smoker, he grew to enjoy the atmosphere of smoke-free.
"The law is the law, and only because we're veterans does not mean that we should be able to break it," he said. "It's not a problem. We could discuss this, but I do not think that we will never vote for him."
One city official more open to this idea, though not fully supported.
Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said that it should be a local issue and is something Council could discuss if it did not work, but it will be a difficult decision.
"Since the smoking ban came into effect, I keep hearing people say that they are happy, even smokers," said Mundy. "I would not say no to it immediately .... We had our sweet time and look at it six ways to Sunday."
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