An electronic, or “e,” cigarette is an electrical smoking-simulation device. Unlike a traditional cigarette, which burns tobacco to release nicotine, an e-cigarette produces a mist that users inhale for nicotine delivery. E-cigarettes may use heat or ultrasonic technology to vaporize the liquid solution into mist, and the liquid solution is usually glycerin or propylene glycol-based, two common food and medicine additives. Since e-cigarettes are not actually producing secondhand smoke, some public places–a bar or restaurant–allow users to smoke indoors. A smoker may switch to e-cigarettes as part of an overall cigarette-reducing or quitting plan, for more smoking freedom, or to reduce the amount of smoke he inhales or the secondhand smoke he produces.
Electronic Cigarettes styles and sizes vary. Some styles resemble a cigarette or cigar shape, while others look like pens; the battery is usually a part of the piece. Because e-cigarettes are meant to be carried around by the user, the models are often small and light in weight for easy portability. All or most parts of a typical e-cigarette are replaceable or refillable, including the nicotine cartridges or solution.
An e-cigarette user has various options when it comes to the replacement nicotine cartridges or solutions used in the cigarette. Both traditional cigarette flavors, such as menthol, and food or dessert-themed flavors, such as strawberry and coffee, are available. The flavor is released in the mist the user exhales. Cartridges also come in different nicotine doses to accommodate light, medium and heavy smokers.