VAPEREV EXECUTIVES ADDRESS THE MYTHS AND MISINFORMATION PUT OUT IN PUBLIC FROM THOSE WHO GROUP ‘VAPERS’ WITH SMOKERS 

The SoCal Based One Stop Vaping Shop And Distribution Company is Changing the World For Thousands of Ex-Smokers Worldwide 

In March 2014, the administrator of a popular vaping forum called Vapourlites (whose tagline is “Don’t Smoke Just Vape”) spelled out the great dichotomy that has arisen with the rising popularity in recent years of vaporizers – commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

In the preface to a piece called “5 Shocking Myths About Vaping Debunked,” the article says that while the “almost exponential trend of smokers making the switch from tobacco” ensures that vaping is here to stay, alongside the huge public acclaim has “come a tide of misinformation, scaremongering, junk science and unjustified condemnation for what are a genuine game changer for millions of nicotine addicts all over the world.”

The post (http://www.vapourlites.com/news/5-shocking-myths-about-vaping-debunked.html) lists the five myths as 1) Electronic cigarettes contain anti-freeze; 2) Nicotine causes cancer; 3) Vaping is just as deadly as tobacco cigarettes; 4) Vaping is a gateway to tobacco smoking; and 5) Second-hand vapor is a threat to bystanders.

These untruths have manifested themselves this year in local ordinances in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, two cities just miles from the home base of VapeRev, a fast-growing Southern California-based vaping shop and distribution company that is a groundbreaking force in the worldwide cultural phenomenon. With its vast selection of high-quality “mods” (the beautifully crafted vape devices) and “e-juice” flavors, the multi-faceted company has redefined the experience for vapers in SoCal and beyond.

In April 2014, a ban on vaping (a term used to describe the act of using an e-cigarette) in bars, restaurants and other public areas took effect throughout the City of Los Angeles. In June, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved the drafting of an ordinance to regulate vaping.

In addition to offering top of the line products to “vapers” all over the world, VapeRev is setting the pace when it comes to vape education – with a particular emphasis on how the new technology has given an entire generation a way to give up and replace the practice of smoking tobacco. VapeRev Chief Communications Officer Amber Lee says, “I think the next step should be addressing how our government is going to protect the rights of American vapers. Right now, the ordinances only allow vaping to take place in designated smoking areas. Which forces vapers to be around and breathe second hand smoke regardless of the lifestyle changes they’ve made. Vapers have the right to not inhale second hand smoke too, but by limiting where vaping is permitted the individual’s right to decide no longer exists. There is also talk about vaping being a gateway to smoking – and the public needs to know that statistically this is not true at all. These are alarming topics that need to be addressed.”

Celina Tompkins, VapeRev’s Media Director, agrees that the idea of forcing vapers to be in the same area as smokers is ridiculous. “I understand the concerns of long-term effects related to vaping or ‘second hand vape’ can’t comfortably be dismissed yet since e-cigarettes are relatively new,” she says, “but it’s important for companies like ours to address the issues that are being overlooked. As professionals in this industry, it’s our responsibility to encourage public awareness so people can begin to identify the substantial differences between smoking and vaping. We can’t expect the public to support what they don’t understand.”

“However,” Tompkins adds, “once people acknowledge that differences do exist, then discussing topics will allow appropriate solutions to be established. This includes the topic of leaving vapers with no choice but to inhale second hand smoke because of a city regulation. If someone believes that smoking and vaping are the same thing, and will have the same effects, how can we expect them to believe that making vapers share the same space as smokers is a mistake?”

Tompkins believes that the most effective way to present a valid argument or concern is to simultaneously present a reasonable solution. In this case, a possible solution would be excluding outdoor areas from the list of places vaping isn’t permitted.

“Not allowing people to vape inside a movie theater or restaurant is acceptable,” she says, “but restricting the use of an e-cigarette at the park or beach is just excessive. E-cigarettes produce water vapor, which dissipates quickly and doesn’t linger like cigarette smoke does. ”

She also believes that the improper disposal of cigarette butts is part of the reason that smoking isn’t allowed in many outdoor places. “Smokers have a tendency to enjoy their cigarette and then toss down the butt when they’re done, especially in outdoor areas where the nearest trash can isn’t necessarily convenient. With vaping, there isn’t the same issue. The devices, atomizers and other products vapers use are an investment. They’re designed to be reusable, not disposable, which minimizes waste in the outdoor environments people enjoy.”

On the Vapourites blog, the “gateway to tobacco smoking myth” is debunked with “studies show that children and young adults are more influenced by their peers, parents and stress levels than advertising and flavours.”

Tompkins believes the gateway issue is one that can be addressed via a call to personal responsibility. “Children who grow up around smoking may be more likely to try cigarettes, but there are those who will choose to never smoke regardless of earlier experiences,” she says. “In California the decision to smoke, or vape, can only be made by those over the age of 18. As an adult, we do have the freedom to choose our own habits. Whether or not those choices and habits are in line with society’s expectations. Is the alarming number of alcohol related deaths causing a ban on ‘virgin’ beverages that are meant to resemble an adult’s margarita? Are we denying teenagers of painkillers after they break a bone or have surgery? Will card games and dice become a thing of the past because too many adults have developed a gambling addiction? Of course not, because good decisions and bad decisions are an adult’s right to make. Family values can only help provide a solid platform for children to base their adult decisions on, but ultimately, those decisions will still become a personal choice.”

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