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By admin, January 29, 2012

Many people are confused by the term “electric cigarette” which is also known as an electronic cigarette, ecigarette, and ecig. That is why I decided to write a post that explains this somewhat new device.

An electric cigarette or electronic cigarette is a device that looks like a cigarette, yet does not burn tobacco. It is battery operated and many times used to provide nicotine in small doses through a vapor. Most of these products are made to give the user the sensation of smoking without inhaling the harmful toxins and carcinogens found through real tobacco cigarettes.

There are also electric cigarettes that do Not contain nicotine, yet also give the user the sensation of smoking through heated vapor flavored like cigarettes. An example of the non-nicotine electric cigarette would be the Smoke Stiks product.

Most of the “pen” style electric cigarettes operate in the same manner. As the person inhales through the mouth piece of the device, a sensor detects the air flow. This usually will activate a heating element powered by a battery. The heating element quickly turns a precise amount of nicotine solution (or flavored solution if no nicotine is stored) held in the mouthpiece into a vapor.

Once the nicotine is vaporized (or flavored product, if non-nicotine), the user can inhale it like a regular cigarette. The vaporization of the product within the mouthpiece is almost instantaneous. Some devices even have a light or LED on the end of it which is also activated while inhaling, which looks like the ecigarette is actually burning.

If the electric cigarette contains a nicotine solution that is vaporized and inhaled, it is usually made up of primarily purified water, nicotine, propylene glycol or glycerin and flavor. Propylene glycol or glycerin are both common food additives and are not considered toxic. The Green Smoke electronic cigarettes we discuss on this website contain purified water, propylene glycol and flavor. The Smoke Stiks we discuss on this website contain a liquid of propylene glycol and flavoring. You can choose a version where there is no nicotine.

Long term health effects of using an electronic cigarette / electric cigarette is not known at this time.

Most ecigarette companies claim that the toxins and carcinogens inhaled through traditional burning tobacoo cigarettes are not found in the vaporized / atomized liquid of the ecigarette. In May 2009, the FDA conducted a test on ecigarette cartridges made by two manufacturers (although there are dozens of manufacturers). The FDA test found that of the 17 cartridges, ONE held tiny amounts (these were detected, but could be measured) of diethylene glycol. The FDA test also found tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in some of the cartridges which used tobacco flavoring. Another concern found with the FDA test was the non-consistent amount of nicotine dispensed when inhaling from the device.

In July 2009, the FDA made a press release that discourages the use of electric cigarettes. They also warn that these products may be promoted to minors and do not have appropriate health warnings. A subsequent analysis of the FDA’s May 2009 study was made by the scientific consulting firm Exponent, Inc. paid for by one of the manufacturers of the cartridges used in the FDA’s study. Their report states that the FDA’s study offered poor standards of documentation and analysis. They also stated the FDA failed to perform relevant comparisons to FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products, which Exponent claims contain TSNA levels comparable to those of ecigarettes. The Exponent, Inc. study reveals the FDA’s claims of potential adverse health effects were not supported by the study.

In conclusion, electric cigarettes, either with or without nicotine, can give the user the experience and sensation of smoking without the high levels of toxins and carcinogens found in regular burning tobacoo cigarettes.

As with any product, you should use your own judgement in whether it is something you would like to purchase.