The electronic cigarette industry created the Electronic Cigarette Association to focus on answering questions about e-cigs and providing accurate information about the products. Launched in 2009, the ECA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and funded by donations and members. The purpose of the ECA is to speak for the e-cig industry as a whole.

The ECA provides a collective voice for both e-cigarette providers and organizations by publicizing accurate information and providing the tools necessary to opinion leaders, policy makers and the news media. By instituting a code of conduct that is industry wide, the ECA hopes to reassure the public and legislators about the safety and purpose of electronic cigarettes.

E-cigs have been under attack by big tobacco and big pharma since their introduction in 2003. The lobbyists for those industries have focused pressure on legislators and the FDA in an effort to ban the products. The limited research conducted by the FDA is an example of the ability of the lobbies to influence our government agencies. The Electronic Cigarette Association was formed to fight back against attempts by tobacco companies and big pharmaceutical concerns to spread misinformation to the public.

The ECA states its focus as offering electronic cigarettes as a safe and inexpensive alternative to tobacco products. Users are encourage to share their stories and to make their voices heard by their Congressional representatives.

When new products are introduced, especially if they are innovative, misinformation is to be expected. For generations the health risks of smoking tobacco have been well documented and accepted. Smoking tobacco products was totally acceptable for generations and accomodations (and ashtrays) for smokers were available wherever you looked. The macho Marlboro man died of lung cancer. The feminist Virginia Slims lady is not seen as glamorous by women today.

The big tobacco trials revealed information about the number of additives and compounds in tobacco products that had previously been industry secrets. The risk to health is now clearly established and proven and has led to intolerance for smokers in our society.

Large companies who stand to lose profits and organizations that want smoking banned in any form have condemned e-cigs. Until recently, there was no alternative to tobacco smoking and many people did not understand their addiction until they tried to quit smoking. Electronic cigarettes provide an alternative to tobacco and is under attack both from those who promote smoking and from anti-smoking legislators.

The surgeon general of the U.S. declared tobacco products a heath hazard 40 years ago. Yet only last year was any government action taken to place tobacco products under the authority and regulation of the FDA. It is interesting that the same FDA began proposing a ban on e-cigs shortly after they were made available to the public. It is hoped that by taking the lead in self-regulation and forming the Electronic Cigarette Association, the e-cigarette industry will be able to keep this alternative product available to the public.

Mary Kay Rivers is an acclaimed expert in the field of electronic cigarettes. Her publications about the new lifestyle product, the electronic cigarette or about the best e-cigarette have become very famous.