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What is an Electronic Cigarette?

By Ann Casano
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 16,384
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An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a mechanical smokeless device which simulates smoking a real cigarette without the tobacco, tar and other chemicals. There are several multi-national manufacturers of electronic cigarettes. The market opened up for them after many areas in the United States and around the world enacted smoking bans.

An electronic cigarette looks like an actual cigarette. The cigarette is typically purchased as a part of a kit. The kit includes rechargeable batteries, battery charger, the cigarette device and cartridge packs. The user must charge the battery every night and replace the cartridge packs when necessary.

The electronic cigarette works when air flows through the cylinder. This ignites a processor which injects droplets of liquid. This results in a nicotine vapor mist which is then inhaled by the user. Propylene Glycol is added to make the mist resemble actual smoke. Many models of this type of cigarette also lights up at their end to further mimic a real cigarette.

There are obvious benefits to using the electronic cigarette over smoking regular cigarettes, although e-cigarette companies are quick to point out that their product is not a quit smoking device. One of the benefits is that there is no tobacco, carbon monoxide, tar or other cancer causing chemicals that are found in traditional cigarettes. Another benefit is that they are not prohibited under smoking bans. In addition, the mist is nearly odorless and there is no second-hand smoke.

Electronic cigarettes still contain nicotine, which irritates the respiratory system. Many users have also reported sore throats and a bad aftertaste. Furthermore, the US Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau (TTB) has stated that they have no regulatory interest in the product because it does not contain tobacco.

Many users of the electronic cigarette report smoking less or going on to kick the habit altogether. Still, others find the device a poor substitute for the real thing, reporting that it does not adequately satisfy their nicotine cravings.

There are several different companies that sell electronic cigarettes. A few of the more popular models include: Crown 7, Smartfixx, Gamucci and Njoy. The products can be obtained online and also in select tobacco shops.

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Discussion Comments
By anon327815 — On Mar 31, 2013

@anon94027: E-cigs are not marketed as a stop smoking device.

By barbaraes — On Mar 12, 2013

While electronic cigarette reviews have been around for a while in various incarnations, it has been recent advances in the technology as well as ever increasing restrictions against smoking that have propelled the e-cigarette into a new found popularity.

If you are interested in a healthier alternative to smoking, or if you simply want to have the freedom to smoke wherever and whenever you want, electronic cigarettes might be the solution you've been looking for.

By anon245483 — On Feb 05, 2012

I've been using totally wicked tornado for two days now. I'm not going back to the regulars. This thing works great.

By saliviya27 — On Aug 16, 2011

This is really nice information and will be helpful for smokers. Actually, one of my friends was smoking with regular cigarette and wants to limit his nicotine habit. He tried an electronic cigarette after his friend's suggestion. Now he is very happy with its fantastic taste and smell.

By levyd — On Jun 09, 2011

Good info. Electronic cigarettes – although not yet approved by major health organizations – are undoubtedly much better for your health than conventional cigarettes and offers numerous additional benefits.

By jzibrida — On Jan 26, 2011

I was a 38 year cigarette smoker -- 2 packs a day. Never thought I'd give them up. I decided to try E-Cigs to see if I could quit. I'm 131 days free without a cigarette. That's four plus months and I *won't* go back to cigs. I'm enjoying new flavors, enjoying no stench in my home, clothes and car. Online videos can teach you everything if you are a newbie.

When I first watched, I thought they were crazy. They're not crazy. I found things started to make sense after I started vaping. Good luck to all. I'm proud of myself and would love to see you proud of yourself, too.

By cicelyzh — On Jul 13, 2010

xpower900 or xpower650?

By cicelyzh — On Jul 13, 2010

I heard xpower is useful. anyone tried? Where can I buy?

By anon95284 — On Jul 12, 2010

An electronic cigarette is a small plastic device that looks like a cigarette. You insert a cartridge into the device which releases nicotine but doesn't release the toxins that come from burning tobacco. The device will produce a vapour on inhalation to give the illusion of smoke, and the end of the electronic cigarette usually lights up using an LED.

It is meant to give you an infusion of nicotine to quell the addiction while the realistic look and the imitation 'smoke' give you the feeling of really smoking. I have also tried the J&J electronic cigarette, and I love it.

By anon94991 — On Jul 11, 2010

My mother stopped using tobacco completely with these after smoking for over 50 years. Be sure to get a brand made in the USA like Green Smoke or you may end up with one of the cheap but poorly made Chinese brands.

By anon94207 — On Jul 07, 2010

I've never heard of anyone starting and staying on an e-cig. But of course, they're not made for that. But why, just tell me why, would these e-cigs have nicotine in it? Nicotine means you'll still be addicted to the e-cig. So, you can see it has its pros and cons.

By anon60054 — On Jan 11, 2010

If an ecig isn't curing your craving for a cigarette, you have one of four issues

1. you are doing something wrong -- there is a learning curve

2. you bought a piece of crap from the mall.

3. your vendor is selling too low of a mg of juice (36mg is my sweet spot)

4. the nicotine does take about 60 seconds to get in your body vs instant from an ol' smokey treat, so relax a few moments before picking up the pack.

By anon57581 — On Dec 24, 2009

I have tried Greentip e cigs, and I will never go back to cigarettes.

By anon24768 — On Jan 18, 2009

Hey guys. These are really cool devices... I have actually used one myself. The tip lights up blue when I puff on it. I think I can get used to smoking my Electronic Cigarette Anyway, these smoking devices are healthier than regular cigs, because you are taking in water vapor. And they are great conversation starters at clubs and bars.

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