Thursday, 1 December 2011

Knowing How Electronic Cigarettes Work May Position Smokers on a Road to a Healthier Choice for Their Smoking Habit

By David Pareto


There are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. 43 are considered especially poisonous. The health risks associated with this possibly sparked the invention of the e-cigarette in 2003 by Hon Lik. Knowing how e cigarettes work enables smokers to consider smoking without the adverse long-term side effects experienced with conventional smoking.

There are various electronic cigarettes obtainable which are made from two, three, or even four parts. There is a red LED at the tip that lights when the user inhales. This is controlled by an electronic logic board found together with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the longest component. There is also a mouth piece, or cartridge, that is linked together with a heating element. This atomizer switches on when airflow into the device increases. Some of the solution contained in the cartridge is converted into a dense, fog-like vapor.

The liquid used contains ingredients called propylene glycol, or glycerin. These harmless substances hold water making them suitable for any vapor producing applications such as nebulizers, humidifiers, or even asthma sprays. The thick white mist is drawn into the user's mouth and lungs where nicotine is absorbed through membranes lining these areas.

The solutions placed inside the mouth pieces can have different flavors, and contain different amounts of nicotine ranging from zero to 36 mg. These are classed from 'extra high' to 'low' doses. The 'extra high' supplies an equivalent amount of nicotine to that taken in when a single puff of tobacco smoke is inhaled.

The two-part design is more hygienic and straight forward to use. This is due to the entire cartridge being replaced when empty. Each new cartridge contains a new atomizer so there will not be a problem with clogging. The older devices may clog. In addition, leaking and the chance of the solution getting onto the user's skin is minimized.

When re-usable mouthpieces are used they may be filled again. They can also have new pads soaked in the e-cigarette liquid placed in them. This requires handling small components, and can thus often be fiddly and frustrating. Re-using a cartridge can allow bacteria to multiply. This may possibly represent a health risk to the user.

The older three-piece design has more pieces to connect together as well as not supplying a particularly pleasing quantity of vapor. Topping up liquid in the cartridge can be messy and time-consuming for someone who would prefer to enjoy a straightforward smoking experience. Some smokers simply wish to take out their e-cig, and draw the mist into their lungs without any fuss.

The three piece device has a heavier battery, tends to look less authentic as compared to a traditional cigarette, and does not hold the charge for as long as the newer two-piece alternative. Typically, a heavy smoker will need to re-charge after about three hours. A lighter smoker can go a full day without recharging.

This alternative method of smoking is one that drops the risk typically associated with the traditional habit. Knowing how e cigarettes work has contributed to their popularity. Their 'virtual smoke' has 1,000 times less cancer-forming substances present, and they allow for an easy transition from unhealthy tobacco to a chemical free, more socially acceptable alternative.




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