What is an electronic cigarette (vape)?

An electronic cigarette, often referred to as a vape or e-cigarette, is a battery-powered device that vaporizes a liquid solution to produce an inhalable aerosol. Here are the key components and how it works:

1. Battery: The device is powered by a rechargeable battery. Some vapes have built-in batteries, while others use replaceable batteries.

2. Atomizer or Coil: The atomizer or coil is a heating element typically made of metal wire, like kanthal or stainless steel. It's responsible for heating the e-liquid and turning it into vapor.

3. E-Liquid (Vape Juice): E-liquid is a solution containing various ingredients. These typically include:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): A colorless and odorless liquid that is often used as a base. It helps carry flavor and provides a throat hit.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thicker, sweeter liquid that produces vapor clouds.
• Nicotine: This is optional and can be present in various concentrations, or you can choose nicotine-free e-liquids.
• Flavorings: E-liquids come in a vast array of flavors, from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruit, dessert, and beverage flavors.
• Water: Used to dilute the e-liquid and adjust its thickness.

4. Tank or Cartridge: The e-liquid is stored in a tank (for refillable devices) or a cartridge (for closed systems). When the user activates the device, the atomizer heats the e-liquid, creating vapor that's inhaled through a mouthpiece.

How It Works:

When you activate the device (usually by pressing a button or inhaling), the battery sends power to the coil. The coil heats up, vaporizing the e-liquid in the tank or cartridge. This vapor is then inhaled by the user. Vapes can be designed to mimic the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette, including the hand-to-mouth action and the throat hit, or they can offer a very different and customizable experience.

Vapes are often used as an alternative to smoking, as they allow users to inhale nicotine without the harmful tar and many of the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke. They are also used by some people as a smoking cessation tool, gradually reducing nicotine intake. However, it's important to note that while vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, it's not risk-free, and long-term effects are still being studied.