An e-cigarette produces a smoke cloud, and the simulated burning end resembles a lit cigarette. Advertisements make claims that these cigarettes do not contain nicotine or tar and good as smoking cessation aids. In addition to that, advertisers claim smokers enjoy all the pleasures of smoking without the unpleasant odors associated with conventional cigarettes.
Currently, cities across the country have ordinances that ban smoking in bars, office buildings, public areas, and restaurants. At present, there are more than 27 states with laws prohibiting smoking indoors.
Electronic Cigarettes
Although e-cigarette vapor smoke has the characteristics of real smoke, the atomizer turns liquid into vapor. The atomizer heats up the liquid containing nicotine and allows smokers to draw in the vapor to mimic smoking. As an added feature, manufacturers infuse flavors into cartridges. Smokers will have choices other than menthol or regular cigarette flavors. Now, smokers can purchase liquid flavors from French vanilla to exotic fruit blends.
The three components of an electronic cigarette are the cartridge, atomizer, and rechargeable battery.
Cartridges
The types of cartridges are refillable and replaceable. A cartridge looks like the filtered end of a cigarette and serves as the liquid reservoir and mouthpiece. The open-ended plastic cartridge attaches to the atomizer, and it carries the liquid to the atomizer and the vapor from the atomizer to the smoker. Inside the cartridge, a sponge holds the prefilled liquid and prevents it from leaking into a smoker's mouth, which is a replaceable cartridge. However, smokers can refill liquid directly into the cartridge from a bottle. Some smokers prefer "dripping" liquid directly into an atomizer and smoking without a liquid reservoir or cartridge.
Atomizers
An atomizer is the middle section of the e-cigarette with the cartridge on one end and the power unit on the other end. It consists of a heating element, which vaporizes liquid and a wicking mechanism to draw in the liquid. Eventually, the filament loses its efficiency due to burnout or sediment. Some e-cigarette designs combine the cartridge and atomizer called "cartomizers".
Batteries
The largest e-cigarette component is the portable rechargeable lithium-ion battery and it activates one of two ways. Inhale through an electronic airflow sensor or hold the power switch to activate the battery operation. A USB port, car lighter, or electric outlet conveniently charges a battery. Another way to disguise the rechargeable battery is with a portable charging case or PCC. The case is the size and shape of a cigarette pack, which is a larger battery that charges several cigarettes at one time.
Liquids
The ingredients used in the liquid that produce e-cigarette vapor are propylene glycol, glycerin, or polyethylene glycol 400. Manufacturers add nicotine with flavors to enhance the liquid’s taste. Other names for the liquid are either e-juice or e-liquid and sold in bottles or disposable cartridges. The nicotine concentration varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and the label lists it as milligrams or milliliters. As an alternative to nicotine formulas, smokers can purchase nicotine-free e-liquids.
FDA Concerns
Although there are claims that e-cigarettes are a healthy alternative compared to tobacco cigarettes, the Federal Drug Administration noted otherwise. After analyzing two popular brands of e-cigarettes, the FDA concluded there were inconsistent amounts of nicotine inhaled with each puff.
Unfortunately, the law does not regulate purchases of these cigarettes, and therefore, it is easier for young smokers to buy them. Additionally, the FDA has concerns that young people smoking e-cigarettes may use them as gateways to other tobacco products, which include conventional cigarettes.
Some advertisers have promoted e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids. According to the FDA, there are products on the market geared to help smokers kick the habit like gums, lozenges, nasal sprays, and patches.
Asthma inhalers, toothpastes, and additives in food use the base ingredients for e-liquids. However, there is no long-term study conducted that addresses the possible health issues arising from inhaling nicotine vapor. Before you buy e-cigarettes, do thorough research and compare several brands.
Author Bio
Katelyn Roberts is a frequent contributor for NetQin, helping couple explore vacations to keep them healthy and safe.
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