Lighter Fluid What Beginning Cigar Smokers Should Know
Lighter fluid is a very important element with traditional cigar smoking. Two are available: butane and naptha. Butane is considered a better choice for most smokers, as it converts to gas once it is processed within the cigar. When this happens, no residual oil or fluid is left behind, this offers a more satisfying smoke. With butane fluid, smokers taste and smell the tobacco; no chemicals are involved. Naptha fluid works differently, as it cannot convert to gas. Instead, it is used to soak an internal wick, which in turn lights the cigar. In the process, a small amount of oil is released. Mechanisms within both the lighter and the cigar prevent the oil from reaching the smoker, but unfortunately, its taste and smell cannot be eliminated. For this reason, if smokers must use naptha fluid, they should consider compensating with stronger tobacco flavors.
In terms of health considerations, both types of lighter fluid carry risks. When butane or naptha are applied to a cigar, smokers are exposed to carcinogenic materials. Conversely, if the fluid is swallowed or huffed, a victim could end up dying. To prevent such consequences, cigar smokers need to store the chemicals away from children. They should also be careful when using the product for anything other than smoking. While most huffing deaths are deliberate, there is the possibility of accidental inhalation, particularly if the fluid is used for cleaning. This is why masks should be used if there is any long-term exposure. However, if you are simply refilling a lighter no precautions need to be taken. Just make sure to wash your hands afterward, so you do not accidentally ingest anything that might have spilled.
As far as the carcinogenic issue, this can be a tough call for seasoned tobacco smokers. For some, the health concerns are so great they want to quit the habit altogether. However, if you find you cannot do this, there are some alternatives. The first would be to limit your cigar smoking. Try to do it once a day, for a set amount of time. In the meantime, increase your Vitamin C intake to help eradicate any carcinogens that get released. Your risks will not be eliminated, but they should be greatly reduced. If this is not enough, you can consider getting rid of lighter fluid altogether. To do so, you must purchase an electronic cigar. Electronic cigars look and feel like the real thing, but different mechanisms are used to light the flame. This mechanism works through electronic means, so there is no need for traditional lighting. Now whether or not this is a sufficient replacement for traditional cigar smoking depends on the individual. Nicotine is still used in these cigars, so smokers should experience a pleasant sensation during their smoke. However, the smoke itself is more vapory, which could be a major turn off. Ultimately, it all boils down to what you desire. If you do not care about the quality of your smoke, electronic cigars can satisfy your needs without exposing you to carcinogens. Otherwise, you must try to limit the effects through self-control and proper diet. This is the only way you can get the best of both worlds.
In terms of health considerations, both types of lighter fluid carry risks. When butane or naptha are applied to a cigar, smokers are exposed to carcinogenic materials. Conversely, if the fluid is swallowed or huffed, a victim could end up dying. To prevent such consequences, cigar smokers need to store the chemicals away from children. They should also be careful when using the product for anything other than smoking. While most huffing deaths are deliberate, there is the possibility of accidental inhalation, particularly if the fluid is used for cleaning. This is why masks should be used if there is any long-term exposure. However, if you are simply refilling a lighter no precautions need to be taken. Just make sure to wash your hands afterward, so you do not accidentally ingest anything that might have spilled.
As far as the carcinogenic issue, this can be a tough call for seasoned tobacco smokers. For some, the health concerns are so great they want to quit the habit altogether. However, if you find you cannot do this, there are some alternatives. The first would be to limit your cigar smoking. Try to do it once a day, for a set amount of time. In the meantime, increase your Vitamin C intake to help eradicate any carcinogens that get released. Your risks will not be eliminated, but they should be greatly reduced. If this is not enough, you can consider getting rid of lighter fluid altogether. To do so, you must purchase an electronic cigar. Electronic cigars look and feel like the real thing, but different mechanisms are used to light the flame. This mechanism works through electronic means, so there is no need for traditional lighting. Now whether or not this is a sufficient replacement for traditional cigar smoking depends on the individual. Nicotine is still used in these cigars, so smokers should experience a pleasant sensation during their smoke. However, the smoke itself is more vapory, which could be a major turn off. Ultimately, it all boils down to what you desire. If you do not care about the quality of your smoke, electronic cigars can satisfy your needs without exposing you to carcinogens. Otherwise, you must try to limit the effects through self-control and proper diet. This is the only way you can get the best of both worlds.
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