Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vape,^{[note 1][1]} is a device that simulates 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.^[2] As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping".^[3]

The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid^[4] that cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air.^[5] The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on matters such as user behavior.^{[note 2]} E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button.^[3][6] Some look like traditional cigarettes,^[3][7] and most kinds are reusable.^{[note 3]}

Nicotine is highly addictive.^[9][10][11] Users become physically and psychologically dependent.^[12] Limited evidence indicates that e-cigarettes are less addictive than smoking, with slower nicotine absorption rates.^[13][14] Vaping is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,^[15] but less so than traditional cigarettes.^[16]

E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation.^[17] Vaping is likely less harmful than smoking, but still harmful.^[18][19][20] E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins than cigarette smoke, at lower concentrations. However it contains potentially toxic substances not found in cigarette smoke.^[20] However, e-cigarettes have not been subject to the same rigorous testing that most nicotine replacement therapy products have.^[21]

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