An electronic cigarette is a newer, alternative way to smoke. In some cases, a device like this is a transition to help people stop smoking.
It is designed for people who want the freedom to smoke anywhere without having to put it out. Apparently, it is more eco-friendly because it does not emit the same toxins as a traditional cigarette.
Therefore, people have used it in places where otherwise they would not be able to smoke. For instance, people in some nightclubs and places of employment have used it.
It also has been used in apartments and retirement centers where no smoking is allowed-at least traditional smoking. It provides nicotine while not producing carbon dioxide and other harmful fumes and chemicals.
Electronic cigarettes usually consist of three parts-the mouthpiece, heating element, and rechargeable better. Of course, inside is a web of electronic circuitry.
Within the mouthpiece usually is an absorbent material. Inside this is where a liquid nicotine solution is filled. Oftentimes a flavor is mixed in with the nicotine that is present in the mouthpiece. The nicotine solution either can be refilled, or in some cases is replaced with a pre-filled cartridge.
The heating element of the electronic cigarette is what vaporizes the nicotine liquid. This is what a person breaths in while taking a puff just as when smoking a regular cigarette.
A lithium ion battery runs most of these new alternative smoking devices, which is rechargeable. Some of the newest models come with a USB wall plug.
The news electrical-powered smoking devices have an airflow sensor. This is automatically activated when the user takes a puff. Some of the older models require the pressing of a button when inhaling.
In some models, a timed shutoff is installed. This helps prevent overheating in case the user forgets to shut it off. Thus bringing up another advantage over traditional smoking which has caused many house fires.
Oftentimes electric-powered smoking devices mimic popular cigarette brands such as Marlboro or Camel. In some cases, they are menthol flavored. However, lately more strawberry, orange, vanilla, coffee, and caramel varieties are being offered.
Currently, the health concerns associated with electronic cigarettes is unknown. It is thought in some professional circles to be safer simply because it is not lit and smoked in the same was as a traditional tobacco source.
However, this is not proved. Yet, it is becoming more widely accepted as a supposedly safer way to inhale nicotine that the regular tobacco cigarettes.