What is an e-cigarette ? How does it work ?

What is an e-cigarette?

An electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine by way of a vaporized solution.
This vapor usually contains a flavor and provides a sensation similar to inhaling tobacco smoke. Yet, there is no actual combustion involved -- nothing burns.

Most e-cigs are designed to resemble an actual cigarette so you use it like one ... hold it between your fingers, put it to your mouth, take a drag... just like the real thing.

E-cigarettes are generally comprised of these elements: the long part houses a rechargable battery and the circuitry; and the atomizer (heating element) which may be separate or may
be housed in the cartridge (resembling the filter). The cartridge is disposable and contains the nicotine/flavor liquid. When the user inhales through the device, air flow is detected by a sensor,
which activates a heating element that vaporizes the nicotine solution stored in the cartridge.

The cartridges contain the liquid that becomes vapor when heated. The liquid solution consisits of nicotine dissolved in propylene glycol (PG) and/or glycerin (glycerol).
Propylene glycol is an organic compound that has been rated as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines. It is absorbed and metabolized by your body. Therefore, does not stick to your lungs like tar.

Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, low-toxicity organic compound widely used in pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Solutions are also available in differing nicotine concentrations, from very high to zero. Some brands also offer flavors other than
tobacco. Fancy a chocolate e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes are very easy to use. The E liquid simply is poured into the "tankomizer" at the top and is screwed onto the battery. You then simply press the button on the side that vaporizes the said solution and produces that delicious taste we have all come to love. The LED light on the tip of the battery will flash when it’s time to recharge, and the delicious flavor will fade when it’s time to replace your liquid simply refill the tankmoizer back to the top. We recommend taking slightly longer puffs than you would with a cigarette, and stop using it when your craving is satisfied.

Both real and e-cigarettes(unless you use zero concentration) contain nicotine.

Nicotine is a drug, like caffeine, and produces a whole host of pharmacokinetic and psychoactive effects. However, if that were all you were getting
from a real cigarette, it probably wouldn't so bad. The real danger is related to the burning of a cigarette. There are more than 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke. More than 50 of these are known to cause cancer, and most, including

carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide and benzene, are formed when tobacco burns. Carbon monoxide makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Tar is a mixture of substances that together form a sticky mass in the lungs
and can cause serious damage.
E-cigarettes, on the other hand, do not burn and do not contain tar, or all those other nasty chemicals.

Cigarettes are a fire hazard

More and more locations are enacting smoking bans

Let's look at some more things you have to deal with when smoking real cigarettes.
Offensive odor -- smokers don't notice it but people around them do: reeking clothes, hair, even breath. And non-smokers often find the smell of cigarette smoke to be offensive. In addition, they dont appreciate the...
Risks associated with second hand smoke -- which is even worse than first-hand smoke. And smokers who expose their children to second hand smoke could be setting them up for a host of health problems.
Fire hazard -- many tragic fires have been caused by burning cigarettes.
Smoking bans -- because of the odor, health risk and fire hazard, smoking real cigarettes is prohibited in many places such as restaurants, shopping malls and office buildings to name a few.
Yellow teeth -- smoking is a major culprit in causing teeth to turn an unsightly color.
Messy ashes -- stinky ashtrays, little burn holes in your carpet and upholstery, unsightly butts on the ground.

Electronic cigarettes won't make you or your home smell. The vapor dissipates very quickly and those around you won't smell but perhaps a slight fragrance. You could use an e-cig in a theater and people in the row in front of you would never even know.

E-cigs have absolutely no effect on anyone else but the user, no second hand anything. E-cigs don't burn so they don't pose the fire hazard that real cigarettes do. The heating element is tiny and well-contained. Around combustible fumes such as gasoline, it would probably be akin to
using a cell phone. You can use an electronic cigarette in places where real cigarettes are banned, even on a commercial airliner! E-cigs don't yellow your teeth, and of course, they don't produce ashes or countless trashy butts.