Electronic cigarette

electronic (or e-cigarette) is a device designed to simulate and replace traditional systems that allow smoking of tobacco derivatives, such as cigarettes or cigars, both in their use and appearance.

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Like their conventional counterparts, e-cigarettes can contain a variable amount of nicotine, which is vaporized in a mixture typically made up of water, propylene glycol, glycerol, and other chemicals. Each device contains an electronic vaporization system (atomizer), rechargeable batteries, electronic controls and cartridges containing the liquid being vaporized. E-cigarette manufacturers report that cartridges typically contain between 6 and 24 mg of nicotine, or they may be devoid of nicotine and release only a flavored vapor.

This is how electronic cigarettes work: the atomizer heats a liquid solution containing - depending on the model - variable percentages of nicotine or devoid of the latter, aromas and other chemicals. As a result of the heat, this mixture is transformed into vapor, which, once inhaled by the user, allows you to experience a sensation similar to that associated with the use of cigarettes or other traditional methods of smoking tobacco.

Since there is no combustion during the use of the electronic cigarette, the residues due to this process are lacking (tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.); from this point of view, e-cigarettes are probably safer than the traditional products used to inhale the smoke.

Despite this, the benefits and possible risks associated with these devices are much discussed in terms of safety, efficacy and acceptable quality. Due to the relative novelty of technology, tobacco legislation and drug administration policies, public health investigations and legislation governing the sale and use of electronic cigarettes are currently hotly debated in many countries, including l "Italy.

, without there being tobacco combustion and related damage.

The electronic cigarette can be useful to promote smoking cessation, with the possibility of preventing thousands of cases of cancer every year, since it allows to avoid tar and the many toxic gases contained in pipes, cigars and cigarettes, exposing to more limited risks. However, it has yet to be established with certainty how and if it is effective as a tool to control nicotine addiction and, above all, the correct use of the electronic cigarette to achieve this goal is implicit.

E-cigarette (often abbreviated to "e-cig") and the neologism "vape" are synonyms used to indicate the device and its use.

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