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implementation of widespread restrictions on indoor tobacco use across the country . Carmona has been highly vocal about the dangers of tobacco use throughout his career , and has advocated a ban on all tobacco products across the board .
You might expect such a hard line opponent of tobacco use to share the FDA ’ s view of total abstinence from nicotine . However , Carmona seems to be able to draw the crucial distinction between the two substances . Nicotine replacement therapies provide smokers with an alternative means of satisfying the addiction . The aim of devices like eCigarettes is to replace both the physical dependence on and the habitual use of tobacco products by offering a less harmful source of nicotine .
Carmona ’ s support of the eCigarette is particularly interesting in light of
“ His 2006 report on the dangers of secondhand smoke and the marginal financial impact of indoor smoking bans set the stage for the widespread restrictions on indoor tobacco use across the country .”
“ Former U . S . Surgeon General and longtime anti-smoking crusader Richard Carmona has joined the fight on behalf of the eCigarette industry .”
the fact that he has previously opposed the use and sale of less harmful tobacco products . If you wanted to put together a chart of how Carmona ranks these products in terms of danger to the public , cigarettes would be at the top in the “ danger zone ”, other tobacco products like smokeless tobacco would occupy a still-unacceptable middle area and eCigarettes would be placed well at the bottom , in a section labeled “ I can get behind that .”
There are inevitably going to be those individuals who cry “ sellout ” upon hearing that Carmona accepted a position on NJOY ’ s board of directors . These individuals simply don ’ t know Carmona . This is a man
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