Electronic cigarette
A device that vaporizes liquid for inhalation instead of smoke.
An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape is a device that simulates tobacco smoking by vaporizing a liquid solution called e-liquid. 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, a process often called 'vaping.' The atomizer is a heating element that turns the e-liquid into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor, and air. The vapor primarily contains propylene glycol or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring, though its exact composition varies based on user behavior and device settings. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some models resemble traditional cigarettes, but most are reusable.
E-cigarettes have evolved through multiple generations. First-generation devices, known as "cigalikes," look like traditional cigarettes. Second-generation devices are larger and less cigarette-like. Third-generation devices include mechanical mods and variable voltage options. Fourth-generation devices feature sub-ohm tanks (with electrical resistance under one ohm) and temperature control. There are also pod mod devices that use protonated nicotine, rather than free-base nicotine, to deliver higher nicotine yields. Some products contain synthetic nicotine analogues, such as 6-methyl nicotine.
The e-liquid mixture varies widely, typically consisting of 95% propylene glycol and glycerin, with flavorings, nicotine, and other additives making up the remainder. Flavorings may be natural, artificial, or organic. When heated, by-products such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein can form, depending on operating conditions and liquid composition. Many e-liquids use nicotine salts, made by adding organic acids like benzoic acid to reduce throat irritation. Internal components can add metals and metalloids like lead, nickel, and antimony to the aerosol.
Since entering the market around 2003, e-cigarette use has risen rapidly, reaching 82 million users globally in 2021. Most users are trying to quit smoking, but some vape recreationally or to circumvent smoke-free laws. E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation, though they have not been tested as rigorously. Vaping is less harmful than smoking but still carries health risks, particularly for those with asthma, and lim
- field
- Tobacco harm reduction, consumer electronics
- known_for
- Simulating tobacco smoking via vaporized e-liquid
- global_users_2021
- 82 million
- first_introduced
- Around 2003
- common_ingredients
- Propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavorings
Lore & Background
Electronic cigarettes were developed as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, with the first devices entering the market around 2003. The technology has evolved through several generations: first-generation devices looked like traditional cigarettes and were called 'cigalikes'; second-generation devices were larger and less cigarette-like; third-generation included mechanical mods and variable voltage devices; and fourth-generation introduced sub-ohm tanks and temperature control. Pod mod devices using protonated nicotine also emerged, providing higher nicotine yields. Some e-cigarettes contain synthetic nicotine analogues, such as 6-methyl nicotine, marketed under the trade name 'Metatine.'
The e-liquid used in these devices typically contains propylene glycol and glycerin (95%) with flavorings, nicotine, and other additives (5%). When heated, by-products such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein can form, depending on operating conditions and liquid composition. Many e-liquids use nicotine salts made by adding organic acids like benzoic acid to reduce throat irritation. Internal components can add metals and metalloids such as lead, nickel, and antimony to the aerosol. This increase has been attributed to targeted marketing, lower cost, and perceived safety compared to combustible cigarettes. Use is highest in China, the United States, and Europe, with China having the most users. Most users are trying to quit smoking, though some use is recreational or to circumvent smoke-free laws.
Reader's Guide
Electronic cigarettes have become a central topic in public health debates about tobacco harm reduction. Limited evidence indicates that e-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation, though they have not been tested as rigorously as NRT products. Vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, but still carries health risks, particularly for those with asthma. The gateway hypothesis—that using less harmful drugs can lead to more harmful ones—has been debated; while some users who begin vaping go on to smoke traditional cigarettes, smoking rates have declined as e-cigarette use has grown, especially among young people. Longitudinal studies have been criticized for failing to adequately control for confounding factors such as genetic predisposition to risk-taking behaviors. high school students and 3.5% of middle school students reported current use. Despite declines, e-cigarettes remained the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. Regulatory responses have varied, with the U.S. FDA expanding enforcement against unauthorized products, and the UK proposing restrictions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The long-term public health impact of e-cigarettes remains uncertain, with ongoing research into their effectiveness for cessation, their role in youth initiation, and their health effects.
Did You Know?
- E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button.
- Some e-cigarettes contain synthetic nicotine analogues, such as 6-methyl nicotine, marketed as 'Metatine.'
- Vaping cannabis usually involves higher temperatures than vaping nicotine.
More in Addictive Substances & Medications 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record