Electronic cigarette
An e-cigarette (or e-cig) is a mechatronic version of a cigarette.
The device takes the form of a tiny rod which is slightly longer than a normal cigarette. The mouthpiece of the device contains a replaceable cartridge filled with liquid. The main substances contained in the liquid are nicotine and propylene glycol.[1]
When the user inhales through the device, the air flow is detected by a sensor. A microprocessor then activates an atomizer or nebulizer which injects tiny droplets of the liquid into the flowing air and vapourises the nicotine.[1] This produces a vapor mist which is inhaled by the user. The addition of propylene glycol to the liquid makes the mist better resemble normal cigarette smoke. The microprocessor also activates an orange LED at the tip to simulate real smoking.
E-cigarettes generally use a rechargeable battery as a power source. Battery life varies between devices, with some lasting a day between charges,[2] and others lasting a week.[3]
Developed in China by Hon Lik of Ruyan,[4] the technology is patent pending worldwide.[5]
Nicotine solution
Cartridges for e-cigarettes are usually offered in a variety of formulations, with different flavors and nicotine concentrations. At the upper range of nicotine concentrations, e-cigarette smoking is equivalent in nicotine delivery to average tobacco cigarettes.[6] Most companies also offer a range of milder options, including completely nicotine-free cartridges. Depending on the device, the solution cartridges are good for between 100 to 600[3] drags. An empty cartridge can be replaced with a new cartridge or it can be refilled with solution. This solution is sometimes called e-liquid and is often sold in bottles of 10 ml. The Ruyan patent application mentions four different recipes for the nicotine solution:[5]
| Substance | Recipe 1 | Recipe 2 | Recipe 3 | Recipe 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propylene glycol | 85% | 80% | 90% | 80% |
| Nicotine | 6% | 4% | 2% | 0.1% |
| Glycerol | 2% | 5% | - | 5% |
| Tobacco essence | - | 4% | 4.5% | 1% |
| Essence | 2% | - | 1% | 1% |
| Organic acid | 1% | - | - | 2% |
| Anti-oxidation agent | 1% | - | - | - |
| Butyl valerate | - | 1% | - | - |
| Isopentyl hexonate | - | 1% | - | - |
| Lauryl laurate | - | 0.6% | - | |
| Benzyl benzoate | - | 0.4% | - | - |
| Methyl octynicate | - | 0-5% | - | - |
| Ethyl heptylate | - | 0.2% | - | - |
| Hexyl hexanoate | - | 0.3% | - | - |
| Geranyl butyrate | - | 2% | - | - |
| Menthol | - | 0.5% | - | - |
| Citric acid | - | 0.5% | 2.5% | - |
| Water | - | - | - | 2.9% |
| Alcohol | - | - | - | 8% |
Health issues
E-cigarettes are marketed as a healthier alternative to tobacco smoking, since most of the harmful material produced by the combustion of tobacco in traditional cigarettes is not present in the atomised liquid of e-cigarettes. They have also been marketed as a way to keep or curtail an addiction to nicotine.[7]
Various toxicological studies of the electronic cigarettes have been conducted, with some concluding that electronic cigarettes are less harmful than traditional tobacco cigarettes, because they can deliver nicotine into the lungs without the carcinogens and toxicants.[1] Nevertheless, the devices still deliver nicotine, which is linked to several harmful circulatory diseases.
Legal situation in the EU
In the European Union some countries have stipulated a decision according to the legal status of e-cigarette products.
- In Austria the e-cigarette is seen as a medical device and the nicotine cartridges are considered a medicinal product. This means that an e-cigarette needs to be CE-marked and the nicotine cartridges must be registered as medicinal products before they can be sold.
- In the United Kingdom, electronic cigarette use is currently unrestricted, with celebrity nightclub Chinawhite allowing use of the devices indoors, where traditional cigarette smoking is prohibited.[8]
- In The Netherlands the use of the e-cigarette is allowed but advertising the electronic cigarette is forbidden as long as no European legislation or guideline exists.[9]
See Also
RUYAN Chinese official website RUYAN international official website
References
- ^ a b c "The Ruyan e-cigarette; Health New Zealand Ltd Information Sheet". Health New Zealand. Retrieved 2008-03-31.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Gamucci.com. Gamucci Ltd. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
The battery will last for approximately one day with normal use.
- ^ a b "Frequently Asked Questions". NJOY. Sottera, Inc. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ "Ruyan America's Electronic Smoking Substitutes Win Two Awards at 2008 Tobacco Plus Expo Held in Las Vegas". PRNewswire. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ a b EP application 1618803, Hon Lik, "A flameless electronic atomizing cigarette", published 2006-01-25
- ^ "Density of Nicotine". E-CIG.com. Cixi E-CIG Technology Inc. Ltd. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ Donovan, Brooke (2008-02-27). "Fake aims to kill the urge to puff". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Smoke without the fire - the cigarette that's legal indoors". Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. 2007-10-23. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
- ^ "Electronic cigarette investigation called for". DutchNews.nl. 2008-03-17. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
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