Electronic Cigarettes 101
Electronic cigarettes are also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems and vaporizer cigarettes. They are hand-held electronic devices which mimic the feeling of smoking. An electronic cigarette usually consists of a battery, an atomizer that holds the e-liquid, a coil that absorbs the e-liquid, and a mouthpiece through which the vapor is inhaled.
The History of Electronic Cigarettes
In 2003, Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik invented the first generation e-cigarette after his father died of lung cancer which used a piezoelectric element to vaporize a liquid containing nicotine diluted in a solution of propylene glycol. Hon Lik invented the e-cigarette as a safer, cleaner way to inhale nicotine as a smoking cessation resource. By 2006, e-cigarettes had entered Europe and then North America. At first, they were very expensive, but over the years, as more companies produced them, the prices fell and their popularity rose.
Electronic Cigarettes and Health
An electronic cigarette works by heating the e-liquid to generate vapor and the liquid is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavorings.
If you’re a smoker, switching to e-cigarettes is good for your health. According to Public Health England, using electronic cigarettes is at least 95% safer than smoking. Compared with traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t produce the tar, in which most of the carcinogens are found.
The Types of Electronic Cigarettes
E-cigarettes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes so if you are new to the world of e-cigs, choosing the right setup can be a bit overwhelming. While there a hundreds of different brands to choose from, e-cigarettes are generally divided into four main categories: cig-a-likes, vape pens, pod systems and mods.
E-cigarette Safety
Here are some safety tips for e-cigarettes to make sure your safety when vaping. First, don’t expose your e-cigarettes to extreme heat or cold temperatures for long periods of time. Second, try not to drop your e-cigarettes. Third, if your e-cigarette has a power button, turn it off when you are not using it. Fourth, be sure to use the charger that comes along with your e-cigarette. Fifth, avoid pets and children. Finally, refer to your user manual for detailed instructions on your device.
The Main Differences between Electronic Cigarettes and Traditional Cigarettes
Traditional cigarettes are only disposable while electronic cigarettes have two categories: one is disposable e-cigarette and the other is rechargeable e-cigarette. In traditional cigarette, tobacco burns then produces smoke while in e-cigarette, e-liquid vaporizes and produces vapors. Traditional cigarettes produce tar, ash and carbon mono oxide but e-cigarettes not. One traditional cigarette can give 12 to 15 puffs while an e-cigarette can give far more than that.
Smoking cigarettes costs around twice as much as using e-cigarettes. The average smoker in Britain spends around 400 pounds every 3 months on cigarettes while the average vaper spends about 190 pounds every three month according to the Cancer Research UK.
What should you keep in mind while using electronic cigarettes?
It’s okay to use e-cigarettes in your own home, but think twice before vaping in a crowded place or at a friend’s house. Pay attention to the people around you while vaping because any amount of cloud blown directly into another person’s face is inconsiderate and rude.
Don’t use electronic cigarettes in front of kids because we are their role models. Although vaping is different from smoking, it is still not okay for our children. Don’t use electronic cigarettes on public transport or in confined spaces such as elevators. When you’re with someone else, ask him of her if you can use e-cigarettes.
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