The technologically advanced e-cigarette, also known as vape, has taken the world by storm. Though e-cigarettes were originally created with the intention of helping people quit smoking, they have evolved into a recreational pastime. Cult like attraction similar to that of tobacco in an earlier time, has caused for an increase in demand of e-cigarettes and vape stores, which are opening in bulk all over the world.
What Are E-Cigarettes?
An e-cigarette is a handheld, electronic cigarette which holds vapor and other chemicals- such as nicotine and flavorings rather than tobacco. E-cigarettes were popularized by people using them to replace traditional tobacco cigarettes in order to break the habit, however, they are now used by non smokers and smokers alike. All vapor pens have different appearances but they are all basically meant to replicate the experience of smoking. Some are disposable and others are reusable.
The History
The first electronic cigarette was created in 1963 by a Herbert A. Gilbert, however, with the cigarette smoking culture of the sixties, they never became popular. This idea was then revisited in 2003 by Hon Lik, a pharmacist trying to avenge losing his father to lung cancer. E-cigarettes were originally marketed to China, where they spread quickly. E-cigarettes really started becoming relevant in the United States around 2007.
Are They Safe? What Are The Health Effects?
As the hype is fairly new, scientists cannot be exactly sure as to what the effects of vaping will be on the users in the future. They are considered to be one of the top devices on the market for ending smoking habits, however, we are learning that e-cigarettes may not be as safe or helpful as we originally thought. Most of the vaping formulas contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, as well as other chemicals which are seen to be dangerous. It is not advised that children and teenagers use e-cigarettes, as the vape, traced with nicotine and other chemicals, will harm developing brains as well as unborn babies. E-cigarettes have been linked to heart, artery and lung problems.
How They Work
E-cigarettes are electronic, requiring a lot more work than a simple cigarette. When a user inhales from the cigarette it activates the atomizer, which then creates the vapor by boiling the liquid until it is a vapor. They include a lithium battery, that usually can be recharged.
Other Important Information
In some cases, e-cigarettes have been shown to do more harm than good. We are not exactly sure as to whether vape is actually a helpful or healthy replacement for smoking cigarettes. In a lot of cases people vape alongside smoking, or just recreationally, as it has become so popularized. In some extreme cases e-cigarettes have been found to cause extreme harm. Over the past seven years, there have been over one hundred cases of e-cigarettes exploding, some leading to serious injuries.
Conclusion
While vaping is a much better alternative to smoking tobacco filled cigarettes, e-cigarettes are not unflawed. They have proven to be unhealthy specifically to younger children with developing minds. E-cigarettes vape contains harmful ingredients for your body, however, they come no where close to that of a cigarette.
