Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette[note] is a handheld electronic device that tries to create

the feeling of tobacco smoking. It works by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol, commonly
called a "vapor", that the user inhales.] Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called vaping. The liquid
in the e-cigarette, called e-liquid, is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and
flavorings. Not all e-liquids contain nicotine.

The health risks of e-cigarettes are uncertain. They are likely safer than tobacco cigarettes but
are of unclear effect in relation to other methods of stopping smoking. Their long-term health
effects are not known. They may help some smokers quit. When used by non-smokers, e-
cigarettes can lead to nicotine addiction, and there is concern that children could start smoking
after using e-cigarettes. So far, no serious adverse effects have been reported in trials. Less
serious adverse effects include throat and mouth irritation, vomiting, nausea, and coughing.

E-cigarettes create an aerosol, commonly called vapor. Its exact composition varies. The
majority of toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke are absent in e-cigarette aerosol. Those
present are mostly below 1% corresponding levels in tobacco smoke. Some contain diacetyl, a
chemical linked to popcorn lung. The aerosol can contain toxicants and traces of heavy
metals at levels permissible in inhalation medicines, and potentially harmful chemicals not
found in tobacco smoke at concentrations permissible by workplace safety standards. However,
chemical concentrations may exceed the stricter public safety limits.

The modern e-cigarette was invented in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, and as of 2015
most e-cigarettes are made in China. Since they were first sold in 2004 their global use has
risen exponentially In the United States and the United Kingdom their use is widespread.
Reasons for using e-cigarettes involve trying to quit smoking, reduce risk, or save money,
though many use them recreationally. A majority of users still smoke tobacco, causing concerns
that dual use may "delay or deter quitting". About 60% of UK users are smokers and roughly
40% are ex-smokers. In the UK use among never-smokers was negligible. Because of overlap
with tobacco laws and medical drug policies, e-cigarette legislation is debated in many
countries. A European directive of 2016 set standards for liquids, vaporizers, ingredients and
child-proof liquid containers. As of August 2016, the US FDA extended its regulatory power to
include e-cigarettes. There are around 500 brands of e-cigarette, with global sales in excess of
US$7 billion.
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NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE

Side effects of vaping

While many people appear to have a side-effect free experience with ecigs, aside from the general
issues with continuing the usage of nicotine, the following are some of the side effects that may occur
while vaping that can probably be attributed to in whole or part to vaping. These tend to be temporary.

Dry skin

Dry mouth

Rash/burning sensation on face

Itchiness

Puffy/dry eyes

Caffeine sensitivity

Minor blood nose issues

The dry mouth side effect is very common due to the nature of eliquids.

One of the major components of most eliquids is propylene glycol, more commonly referred to as PG.

As well as eliquids, PG is also widely used in pharmaceutical and personal care products. One of PG's
attributes is that is it a hygroscopic liquid; meaning it attracts and hold water molecules from the
surrounding environment; such as your mouth.

The dry mouth side effect is usually easily rectified by increasing water intake; i.e. small sips of water
often. This doesn't mean to say you'll necessarily be sipping water non-stop, just that your water
consumption may increase.

The dry skin issue can often be addressed with a hypo-allergenic moisturiser until such time that the
body adjusts.

What appears to be a minority of people suffer minor blood noses. Again, this could be due to the drying
effect of eliquids; particularly if they are high in PG.

In all the reports I've seen, the issue rectifies itself. Something that may help is to not exhale ecigarette
vapors through the nose; particularly during the initial weeks.
Sometimes side effects may occur due to simply vaping too much and will disappear when ecigarette
use is reduced.

In other instances, it may not be the ecigarette at all, but how your body is now reacting to other
substances.

For example, I found after a few days into my electronic cigarette journey, I was getting a little anxious
at times - just very brief flashes. I was concerned I wasn't vaping enough, or too much. It was neither.

It turned out that how my body was now reacting to caffeine was the the culprit. After I reduced my
caffeine intake (I used to drink at least a gallon of strong coffee a day); this symptom disappeared
immediately. I still enjoy coffee and reducing my consumption of it certainly hasn't done me any harm.

Other reactions may occur due to an allergy to any or all of the ingredients of eliquid- such as the
propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine, flavourings or the nicotine itself. Adjusting levels of any
component can sometimes bring relief.

As mentioned, some who have reported mild side effects have persisted with vaping and found the
issues disappear after a short while without taking any sort of action. Others find they worsen; however
it does appear rare for people to have to cease vaping altogether due to side effects.

The possibility of side effects and allergic reactions is why I recommend making the switch to
ecigs under medical supervision if possible.