User:Doc James/Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette is an electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarette among other names, are handheld battery-powered vaporizers rather than combustible tobacco products. Using an e-cigarette is called "vaping". Instead of cigarette smoke, the user inhales an aerosol, commonly called vapor. E-cigarettes typically have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution called e-liquid. They are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, but they come in many variations. Most versions are reusable.

The benefits and risks of e-cigarettes are uncertain. They are likely safer than smoking tobacco, with NHS England estimating them to be around 95% less harmful. There is tentative evidence that they can help people who smoke quit. Young people who use them are more likely to start smoking.

E-cigarettes create vapor made of fine and ultrafine particles of particulate matter, which contain propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually nicotine and flavors, and small amounts of toxicants, carcinogens, heavy metals, metal nanoparticles, and other substances. Its exact composition varies, and depends on several factors including user behaviour.

Nicotine is toxic and highly addictive. Young people are particularly susceptible to this, and most (90%) smokers start before the age of 18. Among first-time users 32% of people who try nicotine become addicted.