What is an Electronic Cigarette, or E-Cigarette?

An electronic cigarette, to put it simply, is a portable nicotine vaporizer that runs on a battery. It provides a safer alternative for smokers to using tobacco products, that still simulates the experience and effect of smoking without the risk of lung cancer caused by burning plant matter.

How does an E-Cigarette Work?

It uses a liquid suspension of nicotine in an FDA approved propellant such as Propylene Glycol (also referred to by the initials PG), combined with some flavoring, pharmaceutical grade nicotine as you would find in the gum, patch, or lozenge, and water. Electronic cigarettes then proceed to heat up this liquid using a tiny vaporizer, similar to the nebulizer an asthmatic might use, or the “volcano” vaporizers that medical marijuana patients use to safely inhale the vapor that contains the active chemical that is sought after. In the case of tobacco products, this chemical, or alkaloid, is nicotine.

Can I overdose on the E-Cigarette?

Short answer is: you can overdose on anything, so yes, HOWEVER Paracelsus, the father of modern toxicology, (the study of poisons) is quoted as saying that the “only difference between a poison and a medicine is in the dosage.” These devices are electronic, and some even contain chips that keep track of just how much you have been smoking and will either cut you off or flash a warning light if you reach a pre-programmed limit. So, unless you really try, it would be difficult to do so if you are already a tobacco product user.

The LD50, or dosage that is lethal in 50 percent of test subjects, of nicotine is 50 mg/kg for rats and 3 mg/kg for mice. 30–60 mg (0.5–1.0 mg/kg) can be a lethal dosage for adult humans. It is unlikely that a person would overdose on nicotine through smoking alone, although overdose can occur through combined use of nicotine patches or nicotine gum and cigarettes at the same time. Spilling a high concentration of nicotine onto the skin can cause intoxication or even death, since nicotine readily passes into the bloodstream following dermal contact. Since most electronic cigarette refill fluid comes in 10ml bottles with an eyedropper, this is an easily dismissible risk.

What is “E-Liquid?”

The “E-Liquid” (I’ve also heard it called “e-fluid” or simply “juice”) is the liquid suspension of nicotine.
The “Cartridge” (also known as the “cart”) is the part that contains the e-liquid. Though some cartridges are refillable, keep in mind some are disposable one-time use. For example, the E-Smoker 510 Cartridge contains an absorbant gel that contains the e-fluid. 

What is an “Atomizer”?

The “Atomizer” (also known as the “atty”) refers to the device that heats and vaporizes the liquid itself. Often you will see a listing of ‘ohms’ with a number next to it. This is a measure of electrical resistance, meaning the amount of power the atomizer draws from the Battery, which will be explained next. Generally, the higher the resistance, the lower the amount of vapor. Conversely, the lower the resistance, the higher the amount of vapor. Think of it this way: a flame that burns hotter and brighter uses more fuel, so burns out faster, but produces more light and heat. The atomizer is your furnace, and its glow is your nicotine fix. So, just choose one that suits how much you need.

What is the Battery?

The “Battery” (or “batt”) is the part that screws onto it, usually the longer part that makes it resemble a cigarette, and these can be of varying lengths and amplitudes. Generally, the higher the ‘mAh’ you see with the battery refers to the milli-amp hours, which is a general guide to how much electricity the battery will hold. The higher the number, the longer the battery lasts. So for example, a 100 mAh battery would last about twice as long as a 50mAh.

How long does one cartridge last?

Well, that also depends on the kind of E-Cigarette you are using and the type of cartridge it uses. But I guarantee it lasts longer than your aunt’s Misty 120s. As a general rule, the higher the resistance of your atomizer, the longer your cartridge will last, because it is being heated less and uses less of the fluid, but it will produce less vapor. If you want more vapor but a shorter cartridge life, get a lower resistance atomizer.

Is Nicotine Replacement Therapy helpful to those trying to quit using tobacco products?

Yes! The Cochrane Collaboration finds that NRT increases a quitter's chance of success by 50 to 70%.