How electronic cigarettes work

Vaping e-cigarette

Giving up smoking is hard. You have probably spotted that I have posted a few times recently about vaping, electronic cigarette (e-cigarettes) and e-juices; that is because despite giving up smoking a few years ago my husband always turned to it when under stress, such as exams. I suggested that he try something different rather than giving up cold turkey and so he got his first e-cigarette and he hasn’t had a real cigarette since! Worried your e-cigarette might explode? This great article about the safety of vaping will reassure you.

I have to admit that when the e-cigarette arrived I was baffled over how it actually worked, especially as there are so many types to choose with all sorts of different functions. I mean what is a mod? What is a tank? What do volts have to do with anything? Over the last few weeks I have learnt a lot about how e-cigarettes work and wanted to share my new found knowledge to help anyone else out there struggling with the concept.

An electronic cigarette simulates the effects of smoking by converting a solution sometimes called an e-liquid or an e-juice into vapour made up of nicotine and flavourings which is inhaled. An e-cigarette is made up of three basic components – a battery typically between 200-300 mAh (milliamp hours), an atomiser that contains an electric resistance coil and some form of wick which feeds the e-liquid into the coil. It is the coil that turns the liquid into vapour when it is heated up.

So, what is an e-liquid? An e-liquid has four main components: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. It is possible to choose e-liquids with different levels of the first three components so the user can find a balance they are comfortable with.  The propylene glycol supports nicotine delivery (or “throat hit”) while vegetable glycerine produces the vapour, simulating cigarette smoke. The Royal College of Physicians has reported no adverse effects or toxicity of concern in either of the two materials.

The user can choose the amount of nicotine in their eliquid based on how many cigarettes they smoked before you made the switch to e-cigarettes with heavier smokers wanting a higher nicotine percentage. Most people who take up vaping aim to slowly reduce their nicotine strength and therefore their dependency and you can get e-liquids in a variety of strengths including 18mg, 12mg, 6mg, 3mg and 0mg.

The most fun comes when choosing the flavour of the e-liquids you want to vape, there is a huge range on offer from traditional tobacco through to fruity and confectionery flavours! My husband has become quite a mixologist during the last few weeks by mixing and matching different flavours to try and come up with something that he really enjoys. Vlad’s favourite flavours are the fruity ones (I joke that he likes the pudding ones), and if he can find one which offers a ‘creamy’ taste alongside the fruit he really loves those!

 

Vaping e-cigarette

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