Electronic cigarettes are electrical devices which simulate the act of smoking. They do no use real tobacco but instead emit a flavored mist which is has a similar taste, appearance, and physical sensation. The electronic cigarettes often have the same nicotine content as real cigarettes but with far fewer negative health implications. They can be incredibly useful if you are trying to quit smoking. If you are interested in this product then most companies offer a starter kit which will provide all the basics you need.
An electronic cigarettes starter kit will provide all of the sections that make up the e-cigarette. Each of the separate pieces attach together to create a single cigarette which looks and feels like the real thing. The majority of models will consist of 3 main parts; the mouthpiece/liquid cartridge, the atomizer (which heats the liquid), and the rechargeable battery section. When the atomizer heats the liquid the smoke is created. Some types have an extra LED section on the end which gives the impression it is lit.
The liquids have varying levels of nicotine in them which you can choose to suit your preference. If you are trying to quit smoking you could lower this amount gradually over time. The cartridge they come in is usually a small plastic container, often colored brown to look like the end of a real cigarette.
There are a wide range of flavors of liquid available depending on the brand you chose. Most starter kits will offer a selection of them. Ordinary tobacco, cherry, coffee, menthol, or vanilla are all an option.
The battery section of the product is normally rechargeable. They come with USB, mains, and car chargers some of which are even designed to look like cigarette packets. Some companies offer portable chargers which use a large battery to charge the small individual cigarette batteries.
The middle section of the cigarette is made up of an atomizer heating element. It draws in the liquid and vaporizes it before funneling the resulting mist back through the mouthpiece. This piece tends to become less efficient over time as a result of sediment building up inside it, and it may need to be replaced occasionally.
There is some debate whether there are serious health risks associated with this product. They contain no tar and do not produce carbon monoxide so they are much safer than normal cigarettes. However, they still contain high levels of nicotine which can be harmful and addictive. There are relatively few detailed health studies into their effects because they are quite new to the market. They have been shown to lower cigarette dependency effectively especially if nicotine levels are lowered over time.
Electronic cigarettes are not normally available to people below the age of 18. They can be very useful if you are looking for a more gradual way to reduce nicotine dependency. They can be expensive to buy in the short term, but can result in up to 80% savings in the long run.