Much of the information below has been taken from Wikipedia, but we have summarised the content. For full content please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_cigarette We have tried to keep this section as an un-biased information type page, rather than a promotional piece on electronic cigarettes . An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is an electrical device that simulates the act of tobacco smoking by producing an inhaled vapour bearing the physical sensation, appearance, and often the flavor and nicotine content of inhaled tobacco smoke; though without the odour, and is intended to omit the health risks associated with smoking. The device uses heat to vaporize a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin based liquid solution into a vapour. Many electronic cigarettes are designed to resemble actual cigarettes or cigars, or even pipes. Most are also reusable, with replaceable and refillable parts, but some models are disposable. 510 Electronic Cigarette 
The primary stated use of the electronic cigarette is an alternative to tobacco smoking, or a smoking cessation device although for legal and other reasons most sellers, including ourselves, do not actaully sell them as a smoking cessation aid. Smoking an electronic cigarette is called vaping. Vaping attempts to deliver the experience of smoking without, or with greatly reduced, adverse health effects usually associated with tobacco smoke. The possible benefits or adverse effects of electronic cigarette use are a subject of disagreement among different health organizations and researchers. Controlled studies of electronic cigarettes are scarce due to their relatively recent invention and subsequent rapid growth in popularity. Laws governing the use and sale of electronic cigarettes, as well as the accompanying liquid solutions, currently vary widely, with pending legislation and ongoing debate in many regions. Concerns have been raised that use of the device still might carry health risks, and that it could appeal to non-smokers, especially children, due to its novelty, flavorings, and possibly overstated claims of safety. Liquids Liquids used to produce vapor in electronic cigarettes are widely sold both as separate bottled products, for use with refillable cartridges, and as pre-filled disposable cartridges. Bottled liquid is sold under a variety of names, including "eliquid" and "juice". Contents of liquid solutions vary, but their common aspects include water and flavorings in a propylene glycol or glycerin base. Nicotine is also included in solutions intended to fulfill a nicotine replacement role. Flavors Hundreds of different flavor varieties are available. Some attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol, and some even claim to mimic specific cigarette brands. A wide variety of food flavors are also sold, from the traditional (vanilla, coffee, cola) to the more exotic. Nicotine Liquid solutions containing nicotine are available in differing nicotine concentrations to suit user preference. Dosing nomenclatures are not standardized and vary by manufacturer, but tend towards the following rough figures: Liquids said to contain "low" doses of nicotine tend to correspond to a nicotine concentration of 6-8 mg/ml - "Zero" - 0 mg/ml
- "Low" - 8 mg/ml
- "Medium" - 11 to 16 mg/ml
- "High" -24 mg/ml
Even higher nicotene strengths are available from some suppliers. Actual numerical nicotine concentration ratings are usually printed on liquid containers or cartridge packaging. Often, the standard notation "mg/ml" is shortened to a simple "mg". Flavors and nicotine are dissolved in hygroscopic components, which turn the water in the solution into a smoke-like vapor when heated. Commonly used hygroscopic components include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, (often named and sold under the abbreviations PG, VG, respectively). Safety of liquid bases Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin liquid bases are common food additives used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Propylene glycol, the current dominating liquid base, has been utilized in asthma inhalers and nebulizers since the 1950s, and because of its water-retaining properties, is the compound of choice for delivering atomized medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes propylene glycol on its list of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Download our Beginners Guide to Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping (PDF) |
