Electronic cigarettes

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vape, is a device that simulates 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 that cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on matters such as user behavior. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most kinds are reusable.

Nicotine is highly addictive. Users become physically and psychologically dependent. Limited evidence indicates that e-cigarettes are less addictive than smoking, with slower nicotine absorption rates. The safety of vaping is uncertain because it is hard to separate the effects of vaping from those of smoking among those who both vape and smoke.

E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation. Vaping is likely less harmful than smoking, but still harmful. E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins than cigarette smoke, at lower concentrations. It does contain harmful substances not found in cigarette smoke. However, e-cigarettes have not been subject to the same rigorous testing that most nicotine replacement therapy products have, and health warnings may encourage a smoker to quit vaping.