Taking the smoke out of the smoke pit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alex Farver
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  -- In the modern world, technology causes change everywhere, even in unexpected places. It can be hard to imagine how a smoke pit could be a part of this technological movement, but thanks to a new invention, the smoke pit as we know it is changing. It's the electronic cigarette.

E-cigarettes are becoming a popular alternative for smokers. Staff Sgt. Michael Lucas, 22nd Air Refueling Wing plans and programs technician, is one of those smokers who made the switch.   

"I've been a smoker since I was 13," said Lucas. "I heard about e-cigarettes in 2009, and it sparked my interest. I tried one out and it helped me get off the real thing."

He finds that along with a physical fitness program, using e-cigarettes as a smoking alternative has improved his overall health.

"When you smoke real cigarettes, you develop a hack and wake up coughing in the morning," said Lucas. "Since I've been on e-cigarettes, I wake up in the morning feeling fine. I finish running and I no longer have a cough or anything."

While some users of e-cigarettes say they feel healthier, very little research has been done on the actual effects. Experts are cautious to recommend their use.

"I discourage smokers from using them," said Laura Markuly, 22nd Medical Group health educator. "So far, research has shown that it is just as harmful as regular tobacco products."

Instead she recommends the programs that are already in place to assist smokers in breaking the habit. The 22nd Medical Group offers smoking cessation classes to service members. For those who do not have time to attend the class, they suggest getting support through the Kansas Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW). The hotline is for those who want to quit now or want to get information for someone they know.

"I would recommend attending one of our classes," Markuly said. "We help with the behavioral health portion of smoking. Yes, we can get the tobacco out of your system. But what are you going to do when those triggers hit you later?"

While the jury may be out on the health effects of e-cigarettes, The Air Force policy that governs their use is very clear. The Air Force released an updated Air Force Instruction 40-102 in March that specifically names e-cigarettes as tobacco products; meaning all policies that govern the use of cigarettes apply to them as well.

For better or worse, it appears the e-cigarette is here to stay. And the smoke pit as we know it is a thing of the past.