Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes or vapes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid solution to produce an aerosol for inhalation. This aerosol is then inhaled. The growing popularity of these devices has led to widespread public discussion regarding their design and potential health effects.
What Electronic Cigarettes Are
Electronic cigarettes typically consist of four main components: a battery, a heating element (atomizer), an e-liquid reservoir (cartridge or tank), and a mouthpiece. The battery powers the atomizer, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol for inhalation. Some devices activate automatically when the user puffs, while others require a manual button press.
The e-liquid, also known as vape juice or e-juice, usually contains a base of propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and often nicotine. Different types of e-cigarettes are available, including cigalikes that resemble traditional cigarettes, vape pens, pod systems, and larger box mods, each offering varying features and user experiences.
Health Considerations
The use of electronic cigarettes raises several health concerns due to substances present in e-liquids and byproducts formed upon heating. Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, can negatively affect adolescent brain development, impacting brain circuits that control attention and learning. It also causes immediate increases in heart rate and systolic blood pressure.
Flavorings in e-liquids, such as diacetyl, have been linked to severe lung diseases like “popcorn lung.” The heating process can also produce harmful compounds like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, which are known carcinogens or respiratory irritants. Heavy metals such as lead, chromium, manganese, nickel, and tin have been detected in e-cigarette aerosols, which can be inhaled. While e-cigarettes are not without risks, long-term health effects are still under investigation.
Electronic Cigarettes Versus Traditional Tobacco
Electronic cigarettes differ significantly from traditional tobacco cigarettes primarily due to the absence of combustion. Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco, releasing smoke that contains numerous harmful chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide. In contrast, e-cigarettes heat a liquid to produce an aerosol, thereby avoiding the production of tar and carbon monoxide.
Despite this difference, e-cigarettes are not harmless. While they may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals overall compared to traditional cigarettes, their aerosol can still contain heavy metals, ultrafine particles, and various aldehydes. A single e-cigarette pod or disposable vape can deliver a nicotine amount equivalent to a pack of 20 traditional cigarettes. Although some view e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, research indicates conflicting results, with some studies suggesting they can help some adults quit, while others show that many users continue to use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.
Rules and Common Usage
The regulation of electronic cigarettes varies, with measures aimed at protecting public health. For instance, the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU, implemented in Italy, sets standards for e-liquid ingredients and emissions. These regulations prohibit certain additives in nicotine-containing e-liquids and establish maximum emission levels for substances like nicotine in e-cigarettes.
Age restrictions are also in place to prevent sales to minors, a common concern given the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes to younger demographics. E-cigarettes are commonly used by individuals attempting to quit or reduce traditional smoking, but they also see recreational use, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Disposable e-cigarettes, often in colorful packaging and sweet flavors, have gained popularity among younger users and are associated with a higher likelihood of continued e-cigarette use.