Nicotine Content of Electronic Cigarettes
The world of vaping has been growing steadily since the birth of the electric cigarettes in 2003. Called vaping, since only vapor not smoke is produced.
Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist invented the electric cigarette following the death of his father from lung cancer. China continues to lead in the exporting of electric cigarettes with 90% of the market. It wasn’t until 2006 that the electric cigarettes became readily available in Europe, with America following in 2007.
The electric cigarette is usually comprised of two or three pieces. In the three-piece model, the device includes a mouthpiece, an atomizer and a cartridge with the nicotine solution including the flavoring. In the two piece model, the cartridge and atomizer are one piece. Most of the electric cigarette models use interchangeable part which, make it easy for users to add components or replace parts; without replacing the entire system.
The nicotine solution is available, depending upon the manufacturer and model with a variety of concentrations of nicotine levels. It is important to note, that the concentrated nicotine is very dangerous, as nicotine is absorbed through the skin and can cause overdosing. It is critical to keep concentrated nicotine out of the reach of children and pets.
In most electric cigarette models, the nicotine content is comparable to the nicotine in a standard cigarette, but lesser and greater levels are available and most companies offer a no-nicotine version. The nicotine cartridge contains about 60-80 puffs per cartridge.
The concentration of nicotine in a standard cigarette such as Marlboro Red is 1.2 mg per cigarette; a Marlboro Light is 0.8 mg per cigarette. The nicotine content in the electric cigarette cartridge comes in a standard four levels (some variation occurs with different manufacturing companies) with full levels at 16-24 mg, medium at 12-16 mg, and light levels at 4-8 mg or no nicotine levels. Clearly, the concentrations are not meant to be used all at one time, but rather last for the equivalent of six cigarettes.
Many initial users of electric cigarettes begin with the tobacco flavoring or menthol flavoring, but there are many types of flavorings offered now both by manufacturers and by independent vendors. Flavors include food based flavoring such as coconut and chocolate, novelty flavors like cotton candy and waffle, and alcohol drink inspired flavors like beer, brandy and whisky. Some opponents of electric cigarettes point to the sweeter flavors of nicotine solutions as a direct appeal to young smokers and teens. Electric cigarettes, like tobacco cigarettes are illegal for minors.
Vaping has become a community of supporters and nearly a subculture as online forums, blogs and resource sites have emerged to provide an infrastructure of support for current and potential electric cigarette users. Celebrity endorsements and movie product placement have helped increase the popularity of the electric cigarettes. Since the electric cigarette allows the user to have an experience similar to smoking without the hazards of tobacco, it is likely to continue to rise in popularity.
