E-Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes, popularly known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, or vape pens, are devices that resemble the practice of common tobacco smoking. The device is electrical in nature and mostly consists of a power source such as a battery, a heating element, an atomizer, a mouthpiece, and a place to hold a liquid such as a cartridge or a tank.
E-cigarettes are classified as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and most of the versions are reusable. It comes in various designs, and some resemble regular cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens, USB sticks, and other everyday items.
How Does It Work?
The atomizer present in the device transforms the e-liquid, fluid present in the cartridge, into an aerosol, commonly called vapor. It is either activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. The aerosol is inhaled by the users into the lungs, and the bystanders can also breathe it when exhaled.
The use of an e-cigarette is often termed as "vaping." The aerosol consists of nicotine, an addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant found in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, flavorings, and other chemicals. The composition varies and is influenced by several factors, which also includes user behavior.
Harmful Composition Of Aerosol:
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Nicotine
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Cancer-causing chemicals
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Volatile organic compounds
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Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
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Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
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Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
JUUL
JUUL is the most popular e-cigarette in the U.S. manufactured by Juul Labs, Inc., an American electronic cigarette company. The company holds 97 percent of the e-cigarette market, and the rest is covered by Vuse, MarkTen, Blu, and Logic. Around 75 percent of all e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. are manufactured by Juul.
The company entered the market in 2015, and as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each JUUL pod contains a nicotine level of 20 regular cigarettes, which is higher than other e-cigarettes. JUUL is popular among teens and young adults due to its sleek design and nicotine level. Due to its dominance, the term Juuling is also popular among users.
Common Side Effects:
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Coughing
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Headaches
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Shortness of breath
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Dry mouth and throat
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Mouth and throat irritation
