Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape^{[note 1][1]} 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.^[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] which quickly 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 several things including 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] Scientists do not know how harmful e-cigarettes are over the long-term^[13][14] because it is hard to separate the effects of vaping from the effects of smoking when so many people both vape and smoke.^{[note 4][15]} E-cigarettes have not been used widely enough or for long enough to be sure.^[16][17][18]

Vaping is likely far less harmful than smoking, but still harmful.^[19][20][21] E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins than cigarette smoke, at lower concentrations. The vapor contains traces of harmful substances not found in cigarette smoke.^[21] E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation.^[22][23] However, e-cigarettes have not been subject to the same rigorous testing that most nicotine replacement therapy products have,^[24] and health warnings may encourage a smoker to quit vaping.^[25]

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