AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Electronic cigarettes provide an alternative to combustible tobacco. While clinical data about the health risks of e-cigarettes is limited, many vapers report improved wellbeing since switching from tobacco to these electronic devices. This thesis is a qualitative study that explores knowledge sharing and the use of e-cigarettes as a cessation device or harm reduction strategy. It also reveals the dynamics between power structures and individuals??? attitudes and behaviors that shape the production of knowledge required to make proactive, personal-health-related decisions. Examination of this issue contributes to the field of Critical Medical Anthropology by exploring e-cigarettes in historical context of tobacco use, the way e-cigarette users obtain and evaluate health risk information, tobacco corporations??? abuse of power, and distrust vapers feel for Big Tobacco and government. Keywords: electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping, vapes, harm reduction