How do eCigarettes create vapour that mimics tobacco smoke and are they harmful?
Battery-powered
cigarettes convert dissolved nicotine concentrate into vapour, which can then
be inhaled without many of the toxic by-products associated with burning
tobacco.
The
electronic cigarette has three basic components: a chamber, an atomiser and a
battery. The chamber contains nicotine and flavourings in a carrier liquid,
such as propylene glycol. A wick, made from metal mesh or silica, draws the
liquid into the atomiser, where it is heated by a battery- powered coil until
it vaporises. The vapour is then inhaled and exhaled like tobacco smoke.
Electronic
cigarettes are designed to simulate the feel, taste and nicotine hit of
cigarettes, but their safety is debated. In many countries their manufacture
and sale is unregulated, resulting in variation in their chemical contents.
Their usefulness as nicotine replacement therapy is also largely unknown and
the World Health Organization does not condone their use.
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