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Smoking triggers hundreds of DNA mutations every year
You know that smoking is bad for your health. However, scientists have just shed additional light on how those toxic chemicals can wreck your body. A newly published study has determined that a pack-a-day smoker typically produces 333 DNA mutations per year, and only about half of them (150) are in the lungs. There are also mutations in the larynx (97), pharynx (39), mouth (23), bladder (18) and liver (6). Many of those mutations are harmless, but you're effectively rolling the dice with every year that you puff -- you're triggering a "cascade" of gene damage that could lead to cancer.
Trading addictions: the inside story of the e-cig modding scene
There is a rapidly growing subculture of e-cigarette users across the globe who spend countless hours tricking out their hardware. Vape modding, as it's known, blends technical craftsmanship, engineering creativity and artistry into one -- and unbeknownst to most, it originated right here in the UK. Some do it to get better hits, while others do it to give their e-cigs a unique look. The modders are also the staunchest of users, who credit vaping with allowing them to kick the tobacco habit. But as I found out, through the process of modding, these ex-smokers may have just traded one addiction for another.
Blu e-Cigs finally launches new 'Smart Pack' for social smoking, tweakable nicotine intake
blu Cig's electric cigarettes are already designed to offer users a "healthier" way to get their daily dose of nicotine without resorting to the classic cancer stick. Now, they've launched the long-awaited Smart Pack that alerts you of other users within 50 feet, perhaps for some enlightening small talk without the wrinkle-inducing ash. It also improves battery life and features a "convenient cartomizer" that lets you tweak the level of nicotine and flavor based on how hard you're fiending. Don't worry about running out, as the "Smart Pack" will even automatically reorder your smokes when supply dips -- how kind. In the future, the company hopes to integrate social networking features so like-minded e-smokers can build relationships out of their habits. But honestly, what's more addictive -- nicotine or Facebook? Check out the PR after the break.
E-cigarettes contain carcinogens and toxins after all, FDA warns
In case you ever of the mindset that e-cigarettes were somehow toxin free, at least compared to the more traditional smokes, along comes the FDA to shatter your illusions. A report this week from the government agency calls out the product with a safety warning, charging that the cartridges they examined contained "carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze." The FDA says it can't confirm the extent of the health issues, as it's only done limited testing and it hasn't been formally submitted for review, but it doesn't look quite as risk-free as previously touted. Don't say the WHO never warned ya. So remind us again, what's the point in smoking one of these over an old school cigarette?[Via Switched; thanks, flatlander85]
Santok's USB-infused in-car charger is just what the doctor ordered
You know the dilemma all too well -- you need a cigarette outlet to charge up your PND, yet a spare USB socket would totally come in handy for juicing up that DAP whilst crossing the country in a '74 Chevelle. Enter Santok, which has just introduced what could possibly be the mother of all in-car chargers. Aside from turning a single cigarette socket into two, it also adds a pair of powered USB ports, leaving us only yearning for a couple of AC sockets to really cap things off. 'Course, we aren't so much for melted center consoles, so maybe we'll just color ourselves satisfied. Now, if only we could spot a price...[Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Thanko's USB-powered Health E-Cigarettes sound healthy
It was only a matter of time, and it took Thanko to make it happen. The purveyors of all things able to be tethered to that most special port now offer the affordable, USB-powered Health E-Cigarette; a name that cunningly stops short of raising the ire of the WHO while still giving you the hope that they might really be "healthy." Like other electronic cigarettes, it uses a heating element to vaporize a nicotine solution to supposedly give you a purer smoking experience along with a suite of other benefits: preserving the health of those around you, keeping your teeth white, and even preventing fires. All that at a fraction of the price of other USB-powered cigarettes -- just ¥2,980 (about $30). If that's all it costs to make Smokey proud, you can sign us up.[Via TechFresh]
Cigarette lighter camera shows there's nothing more patriotic than espionage
Sure, Lady Liberty and a bald eagle are great symbols of American freedom, but they're also perfect covers for keeping tabs on your friends. Ajoka's cigarette lighter video camera discreetly records 640 x 480 or QVGA in AVI format at 30 frames per second and supports microSD up to 8GB. It's got a lithium ion battery for 6 hours of filming and is charged via USB. Best of all, it's still a working lighter -- perfect for cheering up your favorite band's love ballads and simultaneously bootlegging the performance. Your local spy shop can order these wholesale for $150 apiece.
E-cigarettes banned in WHO-ville
As it turns out, the World Health Organization (WHO) isn't condoning e-cigarette products -- shockingly -- as some manufacturers might like you to believe. In fact, the lawsuit flag is being waved at a few companies who brazenly plastered the organization's name and logo across promotional material, suggesting an endorsement of the product. The WHO's Douglas Bettcher asserts that the product is untested as a nicotine replacement therapy, stating, "If the marketers of the electronic cigarette want to help smokers quit, then they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses." So while e-cigs might not carry the same carcinogenic risks as traditional smoking, there are still plenty of health issues surrounding liquid nicotine and all the nasty additives it's served in... and the WHO isn't about to let you forget it.[Via PhysOrg]
Cigarette pack handsfree headset is bizarre, remarkably addictive
Maybe it's just because we had a rough weekend, but we've yet to piece together what the purpose of this device is. Officially, it's a novelty cigarette pack-shaped earphone headset for Nokia / Samsung / Sony Ericsson mobiles. That's to say it enables you to just talk into the pack rather than into your phone. At just $6.79, we'd love to say this would at least make a good gag gift, but honestly, we can't figure out what's to "get." Hmmph.[Via Gearfuse]
In-car charger presents four USB ports alongside cigarette socket
In all honesty, USBfever almost nailed this one. The $22.99 in-car charger plugs right into your cigarette socket and gives motorists their cigarette outlet back along with 4 charging USB ports. The one (admittedly massive) tweak we wish it would've made? Replace that cig adapter with a traditional AC outlet. Yeah, yeah -- that would make the whole thing a lot bigger, but you can't deny that it would be way more useful. Version 2, anyone?[Via Coolest Gadgets]
Ruyan keeps the e-smoking trend ablaze with Vegas e-cigar
Thinking of quitting cold turkey? Good on you. Finding it a bit harder than advertised? Enter Ruyan America, the same folks who delivered the e-cigarette just over a year ago. The new Vegas is based on the same concept -- delivering nicotine to smokers without the harmful toxins that typically follow -- yet it's obviously shaped like a cigar. This disposal product provides around 1,800 mouthfuls of vapor and comes pre-loaded with a 16mg nicotine cartridge. Granted, Ruyan America doesn't claim that this thing will help you quit, but those who'd like to feel suave or give it a go anyway can grab one now for $45 (or a box of five for $200).[Via I4U News]
Floridian anti-smoking ad looks very familiar
Anti-smoking organization Tobacco Free Florida recently released a local TV spot featuring a fake FPS title, which for all intents and purposes, may as well be titled Haylo, created by little-known developer Spungie. The ad shows the unwisely unhelmeted hero laying waste to a squadron of robo-baddies, then lighting up a moke-moke, which quickly drains his health, leaving him very dead in the enemy stronghold.Gaming news site GameCouch recently interviewed the ad's creators, who explained that the fake game theme was chosen to grasp the attention of the coveted 11-17-year-old demographic. It's certainly not the least clever anti-smoking PSA we've ever seen, though we never knew that smoking a cigarette led to immediate death. They should really put that on a warning label or something.
Show and Tell: Trading Pokemon for smokes
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/health/Gamer_uses_Pokemon_to_quit_smoking'; This week, we're getting away from our usual Show and Tell format. We're not sharing pictures of cute crafts or decorated DSes. Instead, we sat down with one of our readers to discuss a pretty serious subject: smoking. Or, more specifically, quitting smoking. More specifically still? Quitting smoking by playing Pokémon. Reader Dan is doing just that, and we sat down with him to discuss his unusual decision.Next week, we'll be back to our usual format, but remember -- if you have something to show off, be it a collection, a craft, or yes, even a story (like Dan's), take some pictures or write it up and sent the lot to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.
Fujitaka readies age-verifying cigarette machines for Japanese launch
Recall those age-verifying cigarette machines we mentioned last year? Even if not, Fujitaka is getting set to remind everyone in Japan under the age of 20 that they won't be getting their fix unless they've got the face (or ID) to prove it. Reportedly, the outfit is hoping to launch 10,000 or so units -- which range in price between ¥700,000 ($6,070) to ¥900,000 ($7,805) -- within the next year, and each one will feature a camera / face-recognition software in order to determine if the hopeful purchaser is indeed of age. After the "adult recognition" button is pressed, it snaps a photo of the customer-to-be and analyzes certain features to make its judgment, and if it just can't decide one way or another, it'll require a license to be inserted as proof of age. 'Course, one could always enlist the assistance of a nearby 20-something in order to satisfy their urge, but at least this is a step in the right direction to curb underage puffing. [Warning: Read link requires subscription][Via Textually]
It has a name, part II: "smexting"
It turns out that cleaner air and healthier people aren't the only side effects of a "No Smoking" sign. A wide-reaching ban on smoking in enclosed places just went into effect on July 1st in the UK, and in the two weeks following, carrier Orange reported that 7.5 million more messages were sent on its network than in the two-week period the month prior. Analysts (who apparently are responsible for researching these sorts of trends) suggest a couple explanations: first, smokers freshly ousted outdoors to get their smoke on need something to do to pass the time -- out comes the phone, and, well, you know the rest. Secondly, smokers that are working on quitting as a result of the ban are turning to texting to give their fidgety, nerve-wracked fingers something to do and to seek support from friends. The behavior, which arguably didn't need a name, is being called "smexting." Looks like the money saved on cancer sticks is going straight to the carriers -- but hey, at least it's a little safer (or not).[Via Techdirt]
Laser printer particles as dangerous as cigarette smoke?
In today's edition of How Your Office is Slowly Killing You, a study emerging from Queensland University of Technology suggests that laser printers can emit clouds of ultra-fine particles that compare to "cigarette smoke and motor vehicle emissions." Reportedly, 13 out of 40 models tested were deemed "high emitters" of particles from the toner, and while office photocopiers failed to produce similar results, concentrations of microscopic particles near laser printers were found to be "five times higher than outdoor levels often produced by traffic" in a given investigation. Currently, no efforts have been made to actually study the chemistry of the emissions, but considering that such fine objects could easily sink "to the very lowest reaches of the lungs," we'd say that's reason enough to request an airtight office a few floors underground.[Image courtesy of Gripguard]
USB e-lighter concept could fire up your next carton
Those trying to kick the habit should seriously consider looking away. The e-lighter concept, designed by Tao Ma, looks to come in black or white motifs, and can apparently fire up your next cigarette with nothing more than the mere 5v current from your nearest USB port. As these things typically go, not much information beyond that is readily available, but Tao does mention that reservations could be fielded if this type of habit-supporting device suits your fancy. Click through for a darker shade.[Via EverythingUSB]
Golden Dragon's Ruyan e-cigarettes deliver nicotine sans toxins
While overseas firms like Thanko and SolidAlliance are kicking out random bits of fun that surely generate a solid profit, China's Golden Dragon has probably found the real road to riches with its toy. The brilliant Ruyan e-cigarette purportedly "feels like a cigarette and looks like a cigarette, but it isn't bad for your health." The battery-powered device is used exactly like a typical, harmful cigarette, but rather than delivering tar and toxins to the lungs along with nicotine, the poisons are stripped away and doses of nicotine are still provided. Interestingly, the company claims that its product is simply the best way to kick the habit, but if these things actually do what they claim, it honestly seems like a marvelous ploy to get folks to shift their funding from tobacco-based cigarettes to the Ruyan. The gizmos are already available in China, Israel, Turkey, and a number of European countries for around $208 apiece, and while profits have "more than doubled" in just a year's time already, bringing this thing to the US would certainly provide a few early retirements.[Via TheRawFeed]
Finally, the cigarette pack phone
We're not even gonna bother with full specs here -- the only three you need to know are "phone," "cigarettes," and "lighter." The Cigarette King 8383 gives an entirely new meaning to the term "all-in-one" by curiously combining all three products into a single package that takes its design cues from a local brand of smokes. Open up the flip top, and voilà, seven cancer sticks and fire at your disposal! You should be able to find this among countless other oddities in Hong Kong's Sin Tat Square, and word has it they even throw in real cigs with the purchase. If it scolded you mercilessly (or even better, blocked you from calling and texting for a while) every time you lit up, it could be a decent quitting tool, could it not?[Thanks, Paul]
