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Friday, 05 April 2013 19:34

Electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are a battery-operated devices which produce vapor that is inhaled by the user. The main components are a lithium battery and an atomiser consisting of an electrical resistance, wrapped around a wick, and a container where nicotine or nicotine-free liquid is stored. Besides nicotine, the liquid usually contains glycerol and/or propylene glycol, water and a variety of flavorings. They have been marketed as an alternative-to-smoking habit and have been available since 2006. A major boost in electronic cigarette sales has been observed since 2009-2010. Until recently, research has focused mostly on the chemical analysis of liquid and vapor ingredients. More studies are needed…

Research

All research studies performed until now have shown that electronic cigarettes are by far less harmful compared to tobacco cigarettes. They do not contain tobacco and their function does not involve combustion. Combustion (at 800-900oC) is the process that leads to the production of several additional toxic chemicals that tobacco users subsequently inhale. Nicotine, unlike common belief, is not a killer. It is not responsible for respiratory disease, cancer or cardiovascular disease. It is the chemical part of the addiction concerning tobacco cigarettes (along with some other chemicals, and in the specific way released by the tobacco cigarettes), however, it has minimal effects in promoting long-term harm to the user. More to come…