User:SPACKlick/ecigtest
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An electronic cigarette (e-cig or e-cigarette) or personal vaporizer (PV) is a battery-powered vaporizer which has a similar feel to tobacco smoking.[1] Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco, although they usually use nicotine derived from tobacco plants.[2] They do not produce cigarette smoke but rather an aerosol,[3] which is commonly referred to as vapor.[3] In general, they have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution known as e-liquid.[4] E-liquids are usually a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. Others have similar ingredients but without nicotine.[5]
The benefits and risks of electronic cigarette use are uncertain.[6][7][8][7] Their role in tobacco harm reduction as a substitute for tobacco products is unclear.[9] They appear to be similar in safety to other nicotine replacement products, but there is not enough data to draw conclusions.[10] The limited evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes.[2] Emissions from e-cigarette may contain ultrafine particles of flavors, aroma transporters, glycerol, propylene glycol, nicotine, tiny amounts of carcinogens and heavy metals, and other chemicals.[11] The evidence indicates the levels of contaminants do not warrant health concerns according to workplace safety standards.[12] Electronic cigarettes may carry a risk of addiction in those who do not already smoke,[13] but there is no evidence of ongoing use among those who have never smoked.[11] They are likely to be less harmful to users and bystanders.[11] No serious adverse effects from e-cigarette have been reported in trials.[8] Less serious adverse effects from e-cigarette use include throat and mouth inflammation, vomiting, nausea, and cough.
The frequency of use has increased with up to 10% of American high school students having ever used them as of 2012 and around 3.4% of American adults as of 2011.[14] In the UK the number of e-cigarette users has increased from 700,000 in 2012 to 2.1 million in 2013. About 60% are smokers and most of the rest are ex-smokers.[15] Current e-cigarettes arose from an invention made by Hon Lik in China in 2003,[16] and devices are mostly manufactured in China. Because of the possible relationship to tobacco laws and medical drug policies, electronic cigarette legislation is being debated in many countries.[5][17] The European Parliament passed regulations in February 2014 requiring standardization of liquids and personal vaporizers, listing of ingredients, and child-proofing of liquid containers.[18] The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published proposed regulations in April 2014 with some similar measures.[19]