The FDA recently unveiled nine new alarmingly graphic warning labels that will be required to be prominently displayed on every traditional cigarette package beginning September 2012. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls cigarette smoking and other tobacco use the number one cause of preventable death. The FDA hopes these disturbing images will finally make tobacco smokers realize the negative effects cigarettes have on them as well as loved ones. Traditional cigarette smoking, as well as other tobacco use, claims over 400,000 lives every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer deaths in men, and 80% of lung cancer deaths in women. The CDC also estimates that smoking causes 90% of all chronic obstructive lung disease deaths such as bronchitis and emphysema. These new images will cover half of every traditional cigarette package. They will be displayed on both the front and back of the packages.

The new warning labels will be the first changes the government has made to cigarette packages in over 25 years. R.J. Reynolds and Phillip Morris have already spoken out against the labels in letters written to the FDA. They feel the labels violate the First and Fifth Amendment. The leading manufacturers believe the FDA is telling smokers not to buy their products instead of providing legitimate information about the dangers of smoking. The companies believe the FDA is telling smokers that the risks outweigh the pleasures of their legal products, and that no one should smoke them. Phillip Morris believes that constitutional concerns are raised when the government forces a company to post a message that is not their own. The tobacco companies will be required to shell out the money for these new labels. Thomas Glynn, director of cancer science and trends for the American Cancer Society, states that tobacco related diseases and problems cost about $95 billion a year. The warning labels will also be required to cover 20% of cigarette ads, and will also include the phone number for smokers interested in help kicking the habit.

The United States, by requiring these warnings, will now join 39 other countries who demand these vivid labels. The US is now in compliance with the World Health Organization’s global treaty on tobacco. Although the treaty calls for 35% of a cigarette pack to have warnings and pictures, the United States is hoping their 50% will have a greater impact in deterring smokers.

Smokers who are not quite ready to quit smoking have a chemical free alternative. Electronic cigarettes have taken the world by storm. Thousands have successfully quit, although the devices are not specifically marketed as a cessation product. The e cig does not contain the thousands of carcinogens included in a traditional cigarette. Water vapor, instead of the harmful second hand smoke, is released. Cartridges, which contain various nicotine levels of a smoker’s choice, are attached to the e cig’s battery. However, most companies offer nicotine free cartridges as well. Flavors such as cherry and vanilla are also offered. Electronic cigarettes offer smokers who are addicted to nicotine, as well as those who are addicted to the physical aspects such as simply putting a cigarette to their mouth, a healthier way to enjoy smoking.

Smokers can choose from the many electronic cigarette brands on the market today. They will find many affordable options. Choosing a brand is only a matter of preference. Most companies offer starter kits that include everything needed to being enjoying a vaping experience. Smokers looking to make the switch are encouraged to research e cig brands. E cig users are more than willing to post their opinions about their experiences.

Here are a few of the graphic images from the FDA website:

Millions of brave men and women serve, and have served, this great country to protect citizens from harm, and to preserve its freedom. Statistics show that one third of United States military personnel smoke traditional tobacco cigarettes. Nearly half of those deployed in Iraq will return to America addicted to tobacco. Furthermore, half of the deployed will die prematurely from diseases caused by smoking. South Beach Smoke is pleased to provide a healthier chemical free alternative to these brave men and women absolutely FREE!

South Beach Smoke, a leading electronic cigarette company, is now offering all past and current United States military personnel their Premium Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit with Home Delivery FREE! This starter kit includes everything needed to enjoy vaping right away. Included in the kit is a Premium battery, atomizer, wall charger, and 6 cartridges in assorted flavors.

The rebate offer requires enrollment in the South Beach Home Delivery Program. This convenient program automatically delivers refills every month to ensure continued enjoyment. Smokers enrolling receive refills at a 30% discount. The card used to purchase the starter kit will be automatically billed every month.

Current and former military personnel must purchase their kit by September 30, 2011. Those wishing to purchase a different kit will be able to apply the rebate to the kit of their choice. Once the kit is received, a rebate form must be filled out via the South Beach Smoke website, and received by December 31, 2011. Proof of service will be required. Only one rebate per person will be allowed.

Blu Cigs, the leading electronic cigarette brand on the market is making waves once again with the upcoming introduction of their new Smart Pack. They recently made headlines with the release of their two piece design upgrade. The already popular e cig company obtained even more fans by upgrading to the more convenient device. However, Blu Cigs never stops looking for ways to improve themselves. They are now joining in on the social networking craze with the Smart Pack. Cigarettereviews.org recently had the opportunity to chat with Blu’s Business Development Manager Matt Coapman about their latest upgrade.

This August, Blu will release their new Smart Pack. The Smart Pack not only allows smokers to charge their e cigs on the go, but may now also help their social life as well. The Smart Pack is similar to their original Blu Pack. However, the Smart Pack is also a means for social networking. The Smart Pack will make it easy for smokers to meet other Blu users. The new pack is designed to vibrate and light up when two Blu smokers are within 50 feet of each other. The product was thoroughly tested by Blu as they enjoyed watching the reactions when smokers realized they were close to a fellow Blu smoker. Some smokers are willing to look for the other user. Those who are not so excited by the idea of meeting a stranger may opt to set their pack to transmit their Facebook and Twitter profiles. There is also a way to turn off the social networking feature. According to Coapman, a full software suite will be released allowing Blu customers to connect with multiple social networks, other Blu users, and even maps!

The new Smart Pack is only $10 more than the standard Blu Pack. While not specifically marketed as a smoking cessation product, no one can deny the thousands who have used electronic cigarettes to stop smoking traditional cigarettes. Those who already use e cigs, which light up at the tip when in use, have probably already met more than a few people after they have received odd stares once people noticed them “smoking” in a smoke free place. With the tremendous increase in smoking bans, e cig users have undoubtedly had to explain themselves more than a few times. The Smart Pack will only increase social encounters as their packs search for the radio signals of other users’ packs. The Smart Packs will also vibrate as a user approaches a retailer that sells Blu Cigs products. While Blu plans to continue selling their original Blu Pack, the Smart Pack has an increased battery life, and provides better battery recharging management. The new pack charger performs around 20% better than the original pack. According to Coapman, it takes only a few more minutes to charge the Smart Pack, but the battery management has been greatly improved. A really nice feature smokers will find is that they now only need to drop their cigarette battery in rather than screwing it down tight. The indicators on the side will also show how much charge the pack contains, and show how much charge is on the cigarette battery as well.

While Blu obviously has been making headlines they may not be finished just yet. Coapman reports that while Blu does not intend to create an app specifically for the Smart Pack, they are developing a mobile app to track rewards, subscriptions, and find retail locations in a smoker’s area. Blu is looking to also develop a system that will allow the packs to monitor how much an individual is smoking, and then reporting the information back to their doctor. Coapman says that the version 2 of the software being developed will display how smokers use their Blu, and when they need refills. All of this information can be shared with whomever the customer would like.

Blu’s new Smart Pack definitely revolutionizes social media. This groundbreaking upgrade is sure to be a hit with those who have already made the switch to e cigs. Those who have not decided to make the switch may be more enticed now. This has become a social networking world. Blu’s new Smart Pack, along with the FDA’s plans to unveil their new graphic warning labels on traditional cigarette packages, will surely create a new surge of electronic cigarette users.

UPDATE 10/12/2011:

Blu Cig’s Smart Pack Surpasses Expectations

Blu Cig’s Smart Pack, their unique ground breaking electronic cigarette product, shattered sales less than two weeks after it was launched. This e cig charging case, combined with social media capabilities, was purchased by over 15,000 customers quickly after its release. The company also experienced a one week waiting list due to the device’s popularity. Blu is receiving new shipments daily so waiting lists are no longer a problem.

The Smart Pack’s popularity has surpassed the expectations of even Blu’s president. In a recent article he spoke about how the company spent months asking customers what they wanted from their next e cig. The incredible response proves that companies who listen to their customers are successful. The company is working on future enhancements including interactions with social media platforms. Users will be able to indicate relationship status, network with others, and identify locations where smoking Blu Cigs are allowed.

Electronic cigarettes have taken the world by storm. Thousands have kicked the traditional cigarette habit by using these chemical free devices. Those who have been attempting to quit, and those who are already fans of e cigs have a chance to win a FREE Blucigs starter kit valued at $69.95. CigaretteReviews.org is holding a “Write To Win” Blu electronic cigarette starter kit contest, and entering is easy!

Interested contestants need to simply read two Blu Cigs articles, and post a comment. The articles “The Updated Blu Cigs Review 2011” and “Updated Blu Cigs Electronic Cigarette Review” can be found on the CigaretteReviews.org website. Two entries, one for each post, will be submitted after posts are created. Only one post per article will be accepted. However, once the original posts are submitted there will be other opportunities for additional entries.

Blucigs has been one of the market’s most reliable e cig companies. Both their product and customer service are second to none. Their popularity increased dramatically this winter with the introduction of their new two piece design. This convenient device creates more vapor, and a stronger taste. Their starter kit includes everything a smoker needs to begin enjoying their experience. Besides the two batteries, wall charger, and USB charger that are included in the kit, smokers will receive a pack of flavor cartridges. The pack contains five cartridges in the strength and flavor of choice. Smokers can choose between flavors including Cherry Crush, Java Jolt, Magnificent Menthol, and Classic Tobacco. Blu proudly boasts flavors that are made in the USA exclusively by Johnson Creek.

Once contestants create their posts there are three easy ways to receive additional entries. Hopeful winners can submit their additional entries when they “like” the CigaretteReviews Facebook fan page, post a comment on the CigarettesReviews Facebook fan page, and follow CigaretteReviews on their Twitter account to receive their additional entries. Contestants have between 12:00 AM EST June 1, 2011 and 11:59:59 PM EST August 31, 2011 to enter.

Contestants wishing to enter must be 18 years of age or older, and a legal resident of one of the 50 United States. Void where prohibited by law. The winner will be asked to verify their age by submitting a W8 or W9. Good luck, and happy vaping!

UPDATE June 17 2011!

Thanks everyone who has participated in the contest. We’ve had such a great response so far to the contest that we are adding one more way to earn additional entries. We’ve added a Google Plus One banner to our site.

You’ll see this banner in the upper right hand side of our site on all pages.  Click on the Google Plus one banner while on either of the two Blu Cigs articles above to get additional entries in the contest. There is still a lot of time left in the contest and we look forward to seeing more comments!

The Department of Transportation plans to officially ban electronic cigarettes on airlines this spring. Originally there had not been any official restrictions on smoking an e cig on airplanes. The TSA did not have a specific regulation prohibiting the devices. In fact, many flight attendants were not even aware of the smokeless devices.Many smokers were able to smoke their e cig after informing flight attendants about how the electronic cigarette works. E cigs emit an odorless vapor instead of a traditional cigarette’s harmful second hand smoke. Since there has not been anything specific written about the devices most airlines have previously determined that they are permitted.

According to The Associated Press, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently stated in a letter to Senator Lautenberg that they now interpret smoking regulations to include electronic cigarettes. Because the health effects of e cigs are still unknown, officials such as Lautenberg are worried non smoking passengers will be affected by the vapor.

Smokers can, however, store their e cigs in their carryon luggage. Small bottle of e juice can even be stored in their quart sized bags with other acceptable liquids. Many TSA workers viewing personal items through security are now aware of the electronic devices.

Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular. They have helped thousands quit traditional cigarettes. Thousands more are making the switch every week. The chemical free alternative is not specifically marketed as a smoking cessation product. However, those trying to quit have had much better success kicking the habit using these devices.

New York has finally passed the smoking ban they have been proposing the past couple months. The law, which Mayor Bloomberg signed in February, will finally go into effect on Monday, May 30, 2011. New York City will now impose a city wide outdoor smoking ban. Smokers will not be able to smoke in any of the city’s 1,700 parks, their public beaches, or even in places such as Times Square.

Officials are hoping the ban limits the risks of secondhand smoke on bystanders trying to enjoy the fresh air. According to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke accounts for almost 50,000 deaths every year. Secondhand smoke can also cause lung cancer, respiratory problems, and asthma.

Officials also hope the ban will help cut down on litter. According to the Mayor’s office, cigarette butts account for 75% of the litter found on the city’s beaches. The ban will be enforced by the park’s department. Those caught violating the law will be fined $50.

According to a CNN report, smokers are not taking this ban lightly. A group known as Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment will be staging a “smoke in the park” event on one of the city’s beaches. C.L.A.S.H.  wishes to let it be known that, “this law will be paid the respect it deserves”.

New York City imposed its first ban, the Smoke Free Air Act, in 1988. The city now joins 507 other municipalities in the country that impose the same outdoor smoking ban in parks as well as 105 that impose the ban on beaches. They added to that ban in 2002 when smoking was deemed prohibited in restaurants and bars.

While smokers are up in arms about this law, the electronic cigarette companies will be sure to benefit. Although they are not specifically marketed as a smoking cessation product, thousands have been able to kick the traditional cigarette habit by switching to the electronic devices. E cigs do not contain the thousands of carcinogens traditional cigarettes contain. The chemical free alternative also emits a vapor instead of smoke which allows smokers to use the devices in public areas.

The Department of Transportation plans to officially ban electronic cigarettes on airlines this spring. Originally there had not been any official restrictions on smoking an e cig on airplanes. The TSA did not have a specific regulation prohibiting the devices.

Many smokers have been able to smoke their e cig after informing flight attendants about how the device works. Electronic cigarettes emit an odorless vapor instead of a traditional cigarette’s harmful second hand smoke. Since there has not been anything specific written about the devices most airlines have previously determined that they are permitted.

According to The Associated Press, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently stated in a letter to Senator Lautenburg that they now interpret smoking regulations to include electronic cigarettes. Because the health effects of e cigs are still unknown, officials such as Lautenburg are worried non smoking passengers will be affected by the vapor.

Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular. They have helped thousands quit traditional cigarettes. Thousands more are making the switch every week. The chemical free alternative is not specifically marketed as a smoking cessation product. However, those trying to quit have had much better success kicking the habit using these devices.

If you feel electronic cigarettes should be allowed on airplanes we suggest you contact your federal congressman or senator to voice your feelings on this issue.

On Tuesday, January 25, 2011, Raleigh North Carolina is expected to adopt an ordinance that will ban tobacco use in public parks and greenways operated by the city according to reports in the timesnews.com. The goal of the city is to eliminate second hand smoke and pollution in public areas. Officials have also become increasingly concerned about children putting the numerous traditional cigarette butts they find on the ground into their mouths. Bars and eateries are already tobacco free in the Raleigh area.

While Raleigh Mayor Meeker, along with nonsmokers, believes, “the public deserves to have pristine parks”, many smokers are upset about this possible ban. Smokers believe this ban would take away their rights. They feel the city should supply a designated smoking area. Some smokers also believe that as long as they are not affecting other people they should be allowed to smoke in the park.

Electronic cigarettes are a great chemical free alternative to traditional cigarettes. Although e cigs are not considered a cessation product, they have already helped thousands quit smoking. These electronic devices, however, do not contain tar, tobacco, or any of the thousands of carcinogens that traditional cigarettes contain. Smokers no longer have to worry about where to put their butts. A vapor, instead of smoke, is released so there is no second hand smoke. Since electronic cigarettes do not emit smoke they can be enjoyed just about anywhere there is a ban.

There are many different brands smokers can choose. Most offer starter kits that include everything a smoker needs to enjoy their experience. Electronic cigarettes come in different strengths as well as flavors. Smokers can even choose an e cig that contains no nicotine at all. Some brands include a pack that will charge the e cigs while they are on the go. There are two part as well as three part e cigs. There are e cigs that can be refilled by the smoker with ejuice. There are even e pipes and e cigars.

Traditional cigarette smokers who have already made the switch have found it an easy transition. E cigs are more cost effective than traditional cigarettes. They will not make the user or the people around them smell. They are easy to use, and are rechargeable. In addition to the fact that electronic cigarettes can be enjoyed where regular tobacco products are prohibited, smokers can enjoy a healthier life style.