An electronic cigarette is an electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called “vaping“. The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid, which quickly cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most versions are reusable. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on several things including user behavior.
Vaping is likely much less harmful than smoking. E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins at much lower quantities than cigarette smoke, but also contains some harmful substances not found in cigarette smoke. Nicotine is highly addictive. Whether or not e-cigarettes are harmful to humans long-term is controversial, due to difficulties separating the effects of e-cigarettes from the effects of tobacco and widespread dual-use. E-cigarettes have not been used widely enough or for long enough to be sure.
For people trying to quit smoking, e-cigarette use alongside prescribed nicotine replacement therapy is associated with a higher quit rate. For people trying to quit smoking without medical help, e-cigarettes do not raise quit rates.
