Electronic Cigarettes

The “Electronic Cigarette”, also known as e-cigarette or e-cig, is a battery operated device that mimics the look and function of a nicotine cigarette. The device provides a similar flavor and sensation of smoking nicotine cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. However, unlike the traditional tobacco products, there is no actual tobacco or any of the other carcinogens inhaled while using the e-cigarette. In essence, it provides the same function without all of the negative effects proven to occur with habitually consuming tobacco products.

The electronic cigarette was first developed in Beijing, China in 2003 by SBT Co. Ltd. They were initially marketed as “Ruyan” meaning “almost like smoke.” With the ability to use the e-cigarette in places where smoking was prohibited, the popularity of the product quickly grew, and was then taken to Europe to be featured at an overseas promotion conference. Soon after its launch in the European market, the e-cigarette was marketed as the “Electro Fag.”

There are two basic models of the electronic cigarette; an automated model and a manual model. In both models there is a nicotine solution that is vaporized when the heating sensor is triggered. The sensor is triggered when a button is pressed on the manual model. On the automated model, the sensor is automatically triggered when the user inhales air through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette.

The mouthpiece itself is a refillable and replaceable plastic piece that contains the flavored nicotine solution. The solutions traditionally are nicotine watered down in glycerin or propylene glycol. The solution (also called e-liquid), is available in a variety of flavors an available as a refill to the mouthpiece once it’s empty. The concentrations are available in a range of high doses to low doses, depending on user preference.

There are multiple electronic cigarette companies now, and no two e-cigarettes are the same. China and Europe still dominate the market to a degree, but as other countries and companies get involved, the idea of the electronic cigarette changes on a regular basis.

Since there are several available, this allows the consumer to do a little bit of shopping to find the e-cigarette best suited to their needs.

Critics following the development of the product since the beginning have alleged that the “safer than the real thing” claims of the electronic cigarettes are false and have argued that the chemicals in the e-cigarette vapor can be unsafe. The FDA also issued a safety alert in July 2009, claiming that there were dangerous carcinogens found in laboratory tests. It’s worth mentioning that even those products currently on the shelves of stores that aid in quitting smoking (gums, patches, etc.) also have their share of carcinogens. None have the same severe effects as those of cigarettes themselves.

Electronic Cigarettes still contain nicotine, and any product that does cannot be 100% free of tobacco carcinogens. Some users of the electronic cigarette claim to experience sore throats and an aftertaste.

Many feel that the benefits greatly outweigh the risks of the electronic cigarette. One of the greatest benefits is the freedom to use the device where smoking is traditionally prohibited. Since there is no deadly second-hand smoke to factor in, this also appeals to the health standpoint. Many people find it difficult to go from smoking, to wearing a patch or chewing gum. Part of the addiction to nicotine is found in the actual action of smoking the cigarette. With the electronic cigarette, users can still obtain the same overall sensation of smoking without the high levels of poisonous toxins being ingested.

The electronic cigarette industry is steadily growing and advancements are being made. With all of the information about the Electronic Cigarettes, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. The Electronic Cigarette Association is a non-profit organization made up of several companies who are involved in the e-cig business. Their mission is to provide current and truthful information about the industry to consumers and those in the business.