Cigarette smoking has been around since the age of human civilization. In fact, recent statistics point to the fact that there are over 1 billion people who smoke cigarettes around the world. In the US alone it is estimated that over 40 million adults practice smoking. However, over the years, people have found innovative ways to smoke. Advancements in technology and the ever-changing consumer preferences have led to the emergence and adoption of vaping as a popular smoking habit. This acquired taste of electronic cigarette smoking has primarily been fueled by the speculation that it is much safer compared to traditional tobacco smoking. This piece seeks to debunk some of these myths as well as shed light on what electronic cigarette smoking is all about.
What is an electronic cigarette (e-cig)?
An electronic cigarette, abbreviated as e-cig, is essentially an electronic handheld gadget that is designed to simulate the feeling of smoking an actual tobacco cigarette. These small devices usually feature an atomizer and a vaporizer. The atomizer refers to the tiny enclosure that houses the e-liquid which is to be broken down during vaping. The vaporizer is the component responsible for breaking down the e-liquid into an inhalable aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor. Vape mods have an inbuilt rechargeable battery compartment to power the vaporizer during the vaping exercise. E-cigs are manufactured by a multitude of firms scattered all over the world from Germany, USA, the United Kingdom to China and Japan.
What are the contents of the e-liquid?
The main ingredient contained in the e-liquid is known as vegetable glycerin. Glycerin is suitable due to its ability to produce a high concentration of vapor, a feature that is highly appreciated by many smokers. Other common ingredients of the e-juice include nicotine and propylene glycol. However, manufacturers do add flavors to their e-juice components to make the whole smoking experience pleasant especially for beginners and young generations of smokers.
How do e-cigs work?
Vape mods contain an inbuilt battery which is responsible for powering the heating element which in turn breaks down the components of the e-juice into vapor or an aerosol which the user inhales. Unlike conventional cigarettes, e-cigs to no produce smoke or ash, instead users get to inhale and exhale a flavored vapor. The atomizer contains a few ml of the juice which depletes over time depending on the frequency of smoking. It can be refilled once its contents are fully depleted.
Why would a person switch from cigarettes to e-cigs?
There is a popular belief that e-cigarettes are capable of benefiting adult smokers excluding pregnant and lactating mothers when used as a complete substitute for tobacco cigarettes. In fact, some people report using e-cigs to help them gradually kick the habit of tobacco smoking. Some people report using the gadgets as a way to boost their social image given the fact that many celebrities use these devices.
Where can one purchase electronic cigarettes?
Whether you are a beginner or just transitioning from tobacco smoking to vaping, it is essential to choose your first vaporizer very carefully. Vaporizers come in a variety of shapes and sizes with some boasting exclusive features such as temperature control and variable wattage. You can opt to purchase your vape pen directly from the manufacturer through their website or from the numerous online selling websites. However, before you part with your cash for any vape pen, it is essential that you do your research to ensure you’re getting the most suitable device.
Are there any side effects of using electronic cigarettes?
Because most vaporizers don’t burn tobacco, users tend to inhale fewer amounts of tar and carbon compared to smoking a regular tobacco cigarette. However, though the levels of nicotine are lower than regular cigarettes, smokers are still exposed to an unhealthy dose of other chemicals. Another potentially harmful ingredient is diacetyl which is known to cause severe lung disease. Some volatile compounds such as lead and cancer-causing agents can also be present in the aerosol. There is also a high likelihood of users getting addicted to vaping in the long term. Though it is believed e-cigs can help addicts quit tobacco smoking, there is no sufficient evidence to support this claim.