10 Things Your Must Know to Get Familiar with Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapor cigarettes, have not been fully accepted in the society. These products are still making efforts to obtain legal status in most of the countries. However, they have succeeded in generating curiosity among smokers as well as non-smokers. No matter whether you wish to use electronic cigarettes in the future or not, you should possess the general information about it. Learn about the top 10 things related to these products from the following discussion.

The First Attempt

Electronic cigarettes were first described in the year 1963. Herbert A. Gilbert obtained a patent to develop a smoke-free cigarette that would not make use of tobacco and would not be harmful to health. The attempt didn’t succeed due to two main reasons. Firstly, the harmful effects of tobacco were not much apparent at that time. Secondly, there was restricted technology to develop such a device.

First Appearance

It was exactly after 40 years in 2003 that the first version of electronic cigarettes was developed. Hon Lik, a pharmacist from China succeeded to invent the device which was launched in the market within a year. These devices obtained the first international patent in the year 2007, though they began exporting to other countries in the year 2006.

Important Components

An electronic cigarette has three main components. The mouthpiece which is known as the cartridge is the component that contains a reservoir filled with liquid from which the vapors are produced during smoking. Atomizer is the second component which works as the heating element to convert liquid into vapors. The third component is the battery that supplies the power. In some designs, cartridge and atomizer are integrated into a single unit called cartomizer.

Liquid Used

The liquids used in electronic cigarettes consist of water, flavoring agent and base. Flavoring agents are available in numerous varieties that include vanilla, menthol, cola and many more. The three most common bases used in these products are vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400. Some electronic cigarette brands also use a safe percentage of nicotine to let the smokers have the feel of traditional smoking.

Similarity to Tobacco Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are similar to their traditional tobacco-based counterparts in terms of appearance. You can hold them in the same way as the real cigarettes. One end of these cigarettes actually glows in the same way as that of traditional cigarettes. Despite all these similarities, the electronic cigs are significantly less harmful to the health.

Publicized as Smoking Cessation Aids

It is one of the most popular aspects of electronic cigarettes that make them famous among people. A number of experts have also confirmed that these modern forms of cigarettes are helpful as smoking cessation aids. Habitual smokers who find it extremely hard to give away smoking can easily switch to these alternatives. It is one good way to let them enjoy the similar relaxation without causing harm to their health.

Smoking at Prohibited Places

Electronic cigarettes are not only beneficial to the smokers, but they are of benefit for the non-smokers as well. Unlike the traditional cigarettes, electronic cigs can be smoked at workplaces and in public areas. This is because electronic cigs don’t produce smoke but only vapors which are in no way harmful for the people around. In fact, these cigarettes are safe to smoke inside the airplanes as well.

Scientific Backing So Far

Though not legally acceptable in various countries, electronic cigarettes are slowly receiving support from science experts. One good example is that of the American Association of Public Health Physicians who support these products. These experts believe that the risk of tobacco-related deaths can be reduced by 99.9% by switching to a product like electronic cigarettes. Similar support has been obtained by these products from all over the world.

Illegal for Minors

Most of the popular brands of electronic cigarettes believe that these products are still not suitable for the minors. Though, these cigarettes don’t emit smoke and no harmful toxins are inhaled while smoking them, they should not be made legal for the individuals below 18 years.

Cut Down Smoking Expenses

Families suffering due to smoking expenses can find significant relief with electronic cigarettes. It has been proved that one such cigarette can last equal to the one full cartridge of tobacco-based cigarettes.

The information you gained about electronic cigs can be helpful if you or someone in your family or friends suffers from tobacco smoking habit. The ongoing research on these products is expected to produce more fruitful results in the future.