How Safe Are Electronic Cigarettes?
A recent development has brought forth the electronic cigarette, also called the eCigarette. It is designed in a way that it simulates a real smoking experience by creating a water based vapor containing nicotine, propylene glycol (to make the vapor look like smoke) and a tobacco flavor (not actual tobacco). This product comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. Available are also cigars and pipes that work on this concept.
Nicotine in itself is not a carcinogen (cancer producing substance), unlike most of the chemicals in real cigarettes, although nicotine can be damageable if consumed in to large quantities. This is often a big misunderstanding. A few of the worst carcinogens found in real cigarettes are tar, ammonia, carbon monoxide and arsenic, together with a couple dozen of other dangerous substances.
The electronic cigarette is just a small device sometimes even looking like a real cigarette. It contains a battery that can be recharged. The electronic cigarette contains a cartridge, which can be replaced when it empty. One cartridge is equal to 1 or 2 packets of cigarettes depending on the brand.
A couple of other benefits of the electronic cigarette are:
· No odors, so you can virtually smoke everywhere without bothering a single person.
· No second hand smoking for people around you.
· It’s cheaper than real cigarettes.
· An electronic cigarette is also a great solution if you want to stop smoking. Cartridges come in different nicotine levels, from 16mg to 0mg.
So, can this be called a safe smoking alternative? Yes. Does it satisfy your smoking needs? That is up to you to find out. Opinions differ on this matter.
