Electronic Cigarettes

An electronic cigarette is a device that converts liquid into aerosol, producing fine particles that can be inhaled in a manner similar to traditional tobacco smoking.

As people became more aware of the harms of smoking, efforts were made to find ways to quit or reduce smoking. The electronic cigarette emerged as one of these methods.

Attempts to create a substitute cigarette began as early as 1927, but they were unsuccessful and not commercially viable, so they were not developed further. However, in 1963, scientist Herbert A. Gilbert successfully created the first electronic cigarette. Aware of the dangers of smoking, he used different inhalable liquids without nicotine. His invention gained significant popularity and was used worldwide.

In the 1990s, new attempts to manufacture a more advanced electronic cigarette emerged, with a variety of liquids (such as nicotine and cannabis extracts, with various flavors). In 1998, scientist Reinhold introduced electronic heating technology, marking the modern introduction of the electronic cigarette.

In 2003, Chinese scientist Hon Lik further developed the electronic cigarette into its current form, believing it could help reduce tobacco addiction after his father passed away from lung cancer caused by smoking. Since then, the usage of electronic cigarettes has spread globally, with sales in 2014 estimated at approximately $7 billion, and their use continues to grow.

Components of Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes consist of the following parts:

• Mouthpiece: A tube to assist in inhaling the aerosol.
• Tank: A container for the smoking liquid.
• Liquid solution: The substance intended for inhalation, placed in the tank.
• Battery: The power source.
• Heating coil: The component responsible for heating the liquid.
• Power button: Found on some electronic cigarette models.
• Light source: Located at the tip of some models to simulate combustion.

How Electronic Cigarettes Work?

The modern functioning of electronic cigarettes primarily depends on a device known as the "cartomizer," which was developed in 2006. The cartomizer consists of an electronic coil wrapped around a silica wick inside a small tank filled with the liquid to be inhaled, such as nicotine or other flavored substances.

The tank, connected to an external vent, has a flexible valve and is powered by a battery with a voltage of 3 to 6 volts. When activated during inhalation, the coil heats the liquid to a temperature of 200°C, turning it into vapor or aerosol, which can be inhaled into the lungs, simulating the act of smoking a traditional tobacco cigarette. Some models include a red light at the tip to mimic the appearance of burning tobacco.

Substances Used in Electronic Cigarettes

The liquid in electronic cigarettes contains a variety of substances, including:

• Solvents: Compounds like glycerin or propylene glycol that dissolve other ingredients and make them liquid.
• Smoking liquid: The primary substance for smoking, such as nicotine or cannabis extracts.
• Flavoring agents: Such as sucralose or ethyl maltol, added to enhance the taste.
• Sweeteners or flavors: Added to give a familiar taste or aroma, enhancing the enjoyment of using electronic cigarettes.
• Water: Used to regulate the concentration of the other ingredients.

What Substances Are Produced by Smoking an Electronic Cigarette?

The substances produced by smoking an electronic cigarette vary depending on the type of liquid used, the temperature of vaporization, and the materials used to manufacture the heating element. In addition to the smoking liquid and solvent, by-products such as tetraamines, aldehydes, various metals like cadmium and zinc, and over 80 different chemical compounds, some of which may be carcinogenic, are produced.

Why Do People Use Electronic Cigarettes?

The appeal of electronic cigarettes lies in several factors:

• They mimic the act of traditional smoking and can help reduce or quit smoking.
• Users can choose from a variety of flavors, making them more enjoyable.
• The perception that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
• They are seen as a modern alternative to smoking.
• They serve as a substitute for smoking in no-smoking areas.
• Belief in their safety for pregnant women.
• They are less costly.
• They leave less odor on clothing and breath compared to traditional smoking.

Side Effects of Electronic Cigarettes

• Throat and pharynx irritation.
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
• Increased risk of heart disease.
• Birth defects in pregnant women.
• Potential use for inhaling harmful substances.
• Risk of addiction.
• Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
• Fire or overheating of the heating coil.

Health Issues Linked to Electronic Cigarettes

With the growing use of electronic cigarettes, several health concerns have emerged, including:

• Respiratory infections, particularly those linked to electronic cigarette use.
• Poisoning from the ingestion of electronic cigarette liquids, either by children or in cases of adult suicide attempts.
• Explosions or fires caused by electronic cigarettes, leading to injuries such as facial or eye damage.

Types of Electronic Cigarettes

Since their development, electronic cigarettes have gone through four generations:

1. First generation: Resembling traditional cigarettes in shape, but varying in size depending on the manufacturer.
2. Second generation: Larger in size with a bigger tank and different designs.
3. Third generation: Improved electronic components, offering better safety and adding mechanical features to enhance performance.
4. Fourth generation: Introduced temperature control using modern circuits and power sources.

Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe?

Studies have shown that using electronic cigarettes is generally safer than smoking traditional cigarettes and less harmful to overall health. However, they are less effective in helping smokers quit compared to other methods like nicotine gum or patches. Furthermore, when used alongside traditional cigarettes, they do not significantly reduce the risk of mortality.

Statistics indicate that the largest group of electronic cigarette users are young people and school students, accounting for 13% of users, while older adults make up 10%. Usage is increasing, and in 2016, regulations were introduced in the European Union to control their use and limit advertising.