What are Electronic Cigarettes?

So what are electronic cigarettes? You've probably also heard of them referred to as E cigs. A huge new invention in the last decade is the electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or e cigs, are cylindrical devices that resemble cigarettes. These battery-charged devices offer an alternative to actual tobacco cigarette smoking.


Purpose of E cigs

There are two main uses for the electronic cigarette. One is to give the smoker the sensation of cigarette smoking without the harmful side effects such as health risks. The other use for e cigs is to help people to stop smoking gradually.



How Electronic Cigarettes Work

There are various types of e cigs. All use small batteries to generate heat or ultrasound to turn a liquid solution into a mist. This mist is inhaled and simulates the inhalation of cigarette smoke. Some electronic cigarettes also create the flavor of nicotine or have small amount of nicotine. However, there is no odor with e-cigarettes unlike that of real cigarettes.

Types of Electronic Cigarettes

Some e cigs look like cigarettes while others look like cigars or pipes. Sizes of electronic cigarettes also vary. The size of the battery usually determines size of the e cig. There are e cigs that resemble ball-point pens while others resemble old-fashioned fountain pens. Some e cigs are portable and easy to carry around. Other e cigs are reusable with parts you need to replace or refill for continued use. There are also disposable electronic cigarettes.

Electronic Cigarette Laws

The first electronic cigarettes appeared about 2003 and have grown in popularity. Laws vary greatly from state to state regarding the sale and distribution of the device. There are also different laws pertaining to the sale of the liquid solutions used to create the mist. The two chemical used are glycerin-based fluid or propylene glycol. Some cities even ban the use of electronic cigarettes in office buildings. Because e cigs are so new, it is difficult to know what the laws are in your county for buying and smoking e-cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes may be a new way to stop smoking or a way to smoke with fewer health risks. The laws have not caught up with this popular device yet but as more people start to smoke these cigarettes, regulation in the sale and use of e cigs is sure to follow.