Electric smoking system

Electric smoking system, commonly referred to as an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette, is a handheld battery-powered vaporizer that simulates smoking by providing some of the behavioral aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without burning tobacco. Using an e-cigarette is known as "vaping" and the user is referred to as a "vaper." Instead of cigarette smoke, the user inhales an aerosol, commonly called vapor.

Overview

Electric smoking systems work by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol, commonly called a "vapor", that the user inhales. The liquid in the e-cigarette, called e-liquid, or "e-juice", is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. Not all e-liquids contain nicotine, making their use customizable and potentially useful for people trying to quit smoking.

Health Risks and Benefits

The health risks and benefits of using electric smoking systems are uncertain. Some studies suggest that they might be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes because they don't produce tar or other cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke. However, e-cigarettes still expose users to nicotine, which is addictive and can harm the developing brains of teenagers, young adults, and fetuses in pregnant women. The long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are not well understood, and there is concern about the potential for youth addiction and the initiation of smoking traditional cigarettes.

Regulation

The regulation of electric smoking systems varies significantly between countries. Some countries have completely banned e-cigarettes, while others have regulated them as tobacco products, medicinal products, or as a category of their own. Regulations can include restrictions on sale to minors, limits on advertising, and requirements for health warnings.

Types of Electric Smoking Systems

There are several types of electric smoking systems, including:

• Cig-a-likes, which look like traditional cigarettes
• Vape pens, which are slightly larger and refillable
• Vape mods, which are larger still and can be highly customized
• Pod systems, which are compact rechargeable devices, often resembling a USB stick or a pebble, using pre-filled or refillable pods.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of electric smoking systems is a concern. The devices and their cartridges can contribute to electronic waste and littering. The disposal of e-liquid can also pose environmental risks due to the presence of nicotine and other chemicals.

See Also

• Smoking cessation
• Tobacco harm reduction
• Nicotine replacement therapy