An electronic cigarette is a battery-operated device that emits vaporized nicotine or non-nicotine solution (entirely, depends upon user) after inhaling. E-cigarette is invented with the intention to replace traditional cigarettes by providing a similar sensation to inhaling tobacco. For years, e-cigarettes (also known as e-cig) have been advertised as a tool to stop or cut down on smoking habit.
As per a document resource, almost 3.2 percent of adults in the United States were using e-cigarettes. Vaping is now the most popular and wisely use form of nicotine smoking among teenagers in the U.S.
How do e-cigarettes work?
The e-cigarettes have:
- a cartridge
- a heating filament
- a rechargeable battery
- electronic circuit
As a user inhales or vapes through the mouthpiece, the sensor activates the heating element that vaporizes the flavoured, liquid solution. The nicotine content varies from zero to extra high value.
Benefits of e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes manufacturers claim to offer a healthy alternative to traditional cigarettes and other conventional forms of nicotine intake.
Even few studies have found that using e-cigarettes can help some smokers quit traditional cigarettes. They offer modest benefits to those who want to quit smoking. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conclude that e-cigarettes can benefit adult smokers, if they completely replace any other nicotine or tobacco products.
However, vaping is not suitable for teenagers, for young people and for those who have not smoked traditional cigarettes earlier.
However, advertising it as a safe, cool along with a variety of flavours, manufacturers are bound to attract teens.
Risks associated with e-cigarettes
Most of the e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can affect human brain functionality.
The aerosol contains solvents, flavourings and nicotine extract, which can be potentially harmful for human health.
Like conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes expose the lungs to different toxic substances.
Those who use e-cigarettes are less likely to stop smoking altogether.
Teenagers, who have just started using e-cigarettes, are more likely to start using tobacco products as well.
Continued use of nicotine can lead users to try other drugs as well such as cocaine.
Experimental use of vaping products may put teens at higher risk, because nothing is being advertised about the toxicity level of the elements used in e-cigarettes.
Second-hand smoking risk is not eliminated in vaping because vaping releases carcinogenic elements.