What is an Electronic Cigarette?

The electronic cigarette is a device designed specifically to simulate the process and sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette – it even looks like one. Users drag on the mouthpiece, the end lights up and you inhale a ‘smoke’ that contains nicotine. However, the ‘smoke’ is actually a vapour that dissipates in seconds, the lighting up is via an LED and you don’t even have to have nicotine if you don’t want to. Tabacco flavour in varying nicotine strengths are most popular but you can go nicotine free, menthol, cherry, coffee, apple and even chocolate amongst others.

As there is no combustion, tobacco, or smoke the electronic cigarette falls outside of the smoking ban in the UK and can therefore be used legally in public places – although raised eyebrows and questions are inevitable. Read more about the law here

No combustion or tobacco also means that there aren’t the 4000+ chemicals or carcinogenic substances contained within normal cigarettes. It is for this reason that many companies are promoting the electronic cigarette as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Read more about your health here

The inventor, Hon Lik, of the Chinese company Ruyan developed the technology in 2002, patented it in 2003 and introduced it to the Asian market in 2005. The electronic cigarette has been spreading around the globe since then and Ruyan America (where Hon Lik is currently the chairperson) launched their first infomercial in the U.S. on October 13th of last year. To watch the infomercial click here (opens in new window).... it has some good information, but be warned - the site takes a while to load, the 'complete' infomercial is about half hour long and as they are US infomercials there’s plenty of repetition.

Some modern electronic cigarettes now come with Cartomisers which are combined cartridges and atomising chambers.

 

How it Works

When you take a drag on the mouthpiece a pneumatic airflow sensor switch is triggered which in turn activates the battery. The battery lights up the LED at the far end of the cigarette and fires up a micro-processor which activates the atomiser. The liquid is sucked through the atomiser which creates pressure low enough to boil it and form thousands of droplets (vapour mist) which get released into the airflow. During the process a water based vapour is also released from the glycol and it is this that provides the resemblance of smoke.

 

The Liquid Vapour

The liquid used to create the vapour is a simple solution that typically contains the following ingredients: -

• Water
• Nicotine
• Propylene Glycol
• Scents and Flavourings
• Membrane to suspend the ingredients

 

The inclusion of purified liquid nicotine is why this product is a genuine alternative to a tobacco cigarette. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man, and according to the American Heart Association one of the hardest addictions to break. This stimulant with dependence forming properties is what creates the craving in smokers. The tobacco companies might not be willing to admit that smoking is addictive, but if you’ve ever started you probably know how hard it is to stop. By providing the nicotine ‘hit’ the physiological side of smoking is taken care of.

Propylene glycol helps with the psychological aspect of smoking as it gives the vapour the appearance and temperature of cigarette smoke. It is an odourless and colourless viscous liquid with many uses, particularly in food and medicine products where it can be found in such things as cosmetics, toothpaste, saline solutions, food colourings and fragrance oils. It is also one of the ingredients in a normal cigarette where it’s used to maintain a dampness in the tobacco

 

Your Health

Given that the electronic cigarette does contain nicotine and propylene glycol the question of health and safety is obviously a good one. The problem right now is that there has been little testing into the effects of these substances when used in an electronic cigarette, and obviously there has been no opportunity for long term testing
Although the risk is something you will have to take it is worth noting that the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and most other food and drugs standards agencies deem propylene glycol to be safe and nicotine not to have toxicological effects.

 

Here at eciginfo we love the electronic cigarette. Yes, we acknowledge the risk but common sense tells us it’s got to be better for you and those around you than a tobacco cigarette. Not having to leave the pub or coffee shop is certainly a big bonus and the sideward glances go away eventually – usually because they come and sit in front of you and ask for a go. We welcome full testing and await greater public awareness – but until then we will continue to puff away and provide you with up to date information.

If you don’t smoke already then we would recommend you don’t start, not even with an electronic cigarette as it still contains nicotine. However, if you do smoke cigarettes then we are pleased to say that you now have a serious alternative. If you are ready to give it a go click here to see our recommended products and retailers.
If you are after more information then please do continue to look around our site.

 

Enjoyment

"I watched while the LED light that simulates the red ember of a burning cigarette glowed in response to my pull on the E-Cig, and as I pulled away and breathed in, I fell in love. There was the kick I had been craving; there was the feeling of something in my hand; there was the 'smoke' that danced from my mouth like a frozen whisper."

Steven Paugh, Senior Editor, Surlaterre