Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping". The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid, which quickly cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most kinds are reusable. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on several things including user behavior.

Vaping is likely far less harmful than smoking, but still harmful. E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins than cigarette smoke, at lower concentrations. The vapor contains traces of harmful substances not found in cigarette smoke.

Nicotine is highly addictive. Users become physically and psychologically dependent. Scientists do not know how harmful e-cigarettes are over the long-term because it is hard to separate the effects of vaping from the effects of smoking when so many people both vape and smoke. E-cigarettes have not been used widely enough or for long enough to be sure.

E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation. However, e-cigarettes have not been subject to the same rigorous testing that most nicotine replacement therapy products have, and health warnings may encourage a smoker to quit vaping.

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