What Is An Electronic Cigarette?

[Christopher]

So just what is an eCig?

An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is an electrical device that simulates the act of tobacco smoking by producing an inhaled mist bearing the physical sensation, appearance, and often the flavor and nicotine content of inhaled tobacco smoke; though without its odor, and intended to omit its health risks. The device uses heat (or in some cases, ultrasonics) to vaporize a propylene glycol- or glycerin-based liquid solution into an aerosol mist, similar to the way a nebulizer or humidifier vaporizes solutions for inhalation.

Most electronic cigarettes are portable, self-contained cylindrical devices the size of a ballpoint pen or magic marker; though sizes vary, mainly due to differing battery capacities. 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.

The primary stated use of the electronic cigarette is an alternative to tobacco smoking, or a smoking cessation device, as it attempts to deliver the experience of smoking without, or with greatly reduced, adverse health effects usually associated with tobacco smoke. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised that use of the device still carries health risks, and that it could appeal to non-smokers, especially children, due to its novelty, flavorings, and possibly overstated claims of safety.

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.

The modern electronic cigarette’s design was devised by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003, though the earliest known description of its concept was authored by Herbert A. Gilbert in 1963.

Electronic cigarettes all share three essential components:

• A “cartridge” that serves as a mouthpiece and usually doubles as a small reservoir holding the liquid that is to be vaporized.
  
• An “atomizer” that serves as the heating element responsible for vaporizing the liquid.
  
• A power supply, which in portable models is a battery. Other electronic components necessary for operation are housed within the power unit.
  

A “cartomizer” option is available for most models that replaces the separate cartridge and atomizer components with a single integrated piece. This option is disposable, as opposed to standalone atomizers which are reusable and comparatively expensive.

Most reusable electronic cigarette components are manufactured according to some standard for their threaded (screw-on) fittings, making them interchangeable. Current (June 2011) dominating attachment standards include the 510 and 808D. The majority of components are manufactured to fit these models.