eCig Information

"An electronic cigarette has no smoke, no carcinogens, no tobacco, and no tar? Wow! Er, where do I start?"

For some people, the world of vapor cigs is confusing at first, sometimes overwhelming.  What are the best sources for information on smokeless cigarettes? Who has the best answers to questions about e-cigs? Believe it or not, most people’s initial questions are fairly similar.  For that reason, we’ve developed an eCig Frequently Asked Questions (eCigs FAQ) section to address some of the most common questions or comments that come up.

What what are they really?

An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is an electrical device that simulates the act of tobacco smoking by producing an inhaled mist bearing the physical sensation, appearance, and often the flavor and nicotine content of inhaled tobacco smoke; though lacking its odor, and intended to omit its health risks. The device uses heat, or in some cases ultrasonics, to vaporize a propylene glycol- or glycerin-based liquid solution into an aerosol mist, similar to the way a nebulizer or humidifier vaporizes solutions for inhalation.

Most electronic cigarettes are portable, self-contained cylindrical devices about the size of a ballpoint pen or  marker; though sizes vary, mainly due to differing battery capacities. Many electronic cigarettes are designed to resemble actual cigarettes or cigars, or even pipes. Most are also reusable, with replaceable and refillable parts, but some models are disposable.

The primary stated use of the electronic cigarette is an alternative to tobacco smoking, or a smoking cessation device, as it attempts to deliver the experience of smoking without, or with greatly reduced, adverse health effects usually associated with tobacco smoke. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised that use of the device still carries health risks, and that it could appeal to non-smokers, especially children, due to its novelty, flavorings, and possibly overstated claims of safety.

The possible benefits or adverse effects of electronic cigarette use are a subject of disagreement among different health organizations and researchers. Controlled studies of electronic cigarettes are scarce due to their relatively recent invention and subsequent rapid growth in popularity. Laws governing the use and sale of electronic cigarettes, as well as the accompanying liquid solutions, currently vary widely, with pending legislation and ongoing debate in many regions.

The modern electronic cigarette's design was devised by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003, though the earliest known description of its concept was authored by Herbert A. Gilbert in 1963.

e-Cig Parts

Electronic cigarettes all share three essential components:

• A "cartridge" that serves as a mouthpiece and usually doubles as a small reservoir holding the liquid that is to be vaporized.


• An "atomizer" that serves as the heating element responsible for vaporizing the liquid.


• A power supply, which in portable models is a battery. Other electronic components necessary for operation are housed within the power unit.

A "cartomizer" option is available for most models that replaces the separate cartridge and atomizer components with a single integrated piece. This option is disposable, as opposed to standalone atomizers which are reusable and comparatively expensive. Most reusable electronic cigarette components are manufactured according to some standard for their threaded (screw-on) fittings, making them interchangeable. Current dominating attachment standards include the 510 and 808D. The majority of components are manufactured to fit these models.

Cartridge

The cartridge is a small, usually disposable plastic container, with openings on each end. One end is placed in the user's mouth, while the other attaches to the atomizer (heating element). This component serves as both a liquid reservoir and mouthpiece, and as such, must allow the passage of liquid to the atomizer, as well as vapor from the atomizer back to the user's mouth, without allowing liquid into the mouth. This is usually accomplished via an absorbent sponge-like material to keep the liquid in place, resting on a plastic barrier separating it from the mouth-end opening; The mouthpiece casing is constructed with side channels that allow vapor to pass from the atomizer, around the liquid chamber, to the mouth-end opening. When the liquid in a cartridge has been depleted, the user can usually choose between refilling it, or replacing it with another pre-filled cartridge. Some users forgo the use of liquid reservoirs altogether, and "drip" liquid directly onto the atomizer. This method has aptly come to be known as "dripping". Some manufacturers have responded to this practice by creating special mouthpieces that are intended primarily to ease use by the dripping method.

Atomizer

The atomizer is the heating element responsible for vaporizing the liquid, and generally consists of a simple filament and wicking metal mesh to draw the liquid in. It is positioned in the center of the three components that make up the entire electronic cigarette cylinder, as the cartridge attaches to one end, and the power unit to the other. The atomizer's filament tends to lose efficiency over time due to a buildup of sediment, or "burns out" entirely, requiring replacement. This creates one of the primary recurring expenses associated with electronic cigarettes.

Cartomizer

To deal with atomizer degradation and the associated expense, manufacturers introduced an integrated cartridge/atomizer component that is more cheaply produced, known as a cartomizer. They are sold in packages of five or more. When their heating elements degrade, they can be disposed of and replaced more cheaply than standalone atomizers.

Power source and electronics

Most portable power units contain a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, while wired units often draw power through a USB connection. The housing for the power source and electronic circuitry is usually the largest component of an electronic cigarette. This unit may contain an electronic airflow sensor, in the case of "automatic" electronic cigarettes, so that activation is triggered simply by drawing breath through the device. Other "manual" electronic cigarette power units are constructed with a button that activates the heating element, and must be held during operation. A timed cutoff switch to prevent overheating, and/or a colored LED to announce activation, may also be included in the power unit casing. Like most electronic devices, chargers of many different types are available for electronic cigarette batteries, such as AC outlet, car, and USB. Some manufacturers also offer a "Portable Charging Case," or "PCC": a portable case that contains a large battery, which in turn charges smaller batteries within individual e-cigarettes. PCCs are often designed to resemble traditional cigarette packs.