An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a mechanical smokeless device which simulates smoking a real cigarette without the tobacco, tar and other chemicals. There are several multi-national manufacturers of electronic cigarettes. The market opened up for them after many areas in the United States and around the world enacted smoking bans.
An electronic cigarette looks like an actual cigarette. The cigarette is typically purchased as a part of a kit. The kit includes rechargeable batteries, battery charger, the cigarette device and cartridge packs. The user must charge the battery every night and replace the cartridge packs when necessary.
The electronic cigarette works when air flows through the cylinder. This ignites a processor which injects droplets of liquid. This results in a nicotine vapor mist which is then inhaled by the user. Propylene Glycol is added to make the mist resemble actual smoke. Many models of this type of cigarette also lights up at their end to further mimic a real cigarette.
There are obvious benefits to using the electronic cigarette over smoking regular cigarettes, although e-cigarette companies are quick to point out that their product is not a quit smoking device. One of the benefits is that there is no tobacco, carbon monoxide, tar or other cancer causing chemicals that are found in traditional cigarettes. Another benefit is that they are not prohibited under smoking bans. In addition, the mist is nearly odorless and there is no second-hand smoke.
Electronic cigarettes still contain nicotine, which irritates the respiratory system. Many users have also reported sore throats and a bad aftertaste. Furthermore, the US Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau (TTB) has stated that they have no regulatory interest in the product because it does not contain tobacco.
Many users of the electronic cigarette report smoking less or going on to kick the habit altogether. Still, others find the device a poor substitute for the real thing, reporting that it does not adequately satisfy their nicotine cravings.
There are several different companies that sell electronic cigarettes. A few of the more popular models include: Crown 7, Smartfixx, Gamucci and Njoy. The products can be obtained online and also in select tobacco shops.