Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vape, is a device that simulates smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping".

The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid that cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on matters such as user behavior. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most kinds are reusable.

Nicotine is highly addictive. Users become physically and psychologically dependent. Limited evidence indicates that e-cigarettes are less addictive than smoking, with slower nicotine absorption rates. Vaping is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but less so than traditional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation. Vaping is likely less harmful than smoking, but still harmful. E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins than cigarette smoke, at lower concentrations. However it contains potentially toxic substances not found in cigarette smoke. However, e-cigarettes have not been subject to the same rigorous testing that most nicotine replacement therapy products have.