An electronic cigarette is a devise that simulates the the act of smoking by creating a mist of vapor that is inhaled and then exhaled. As with most products, some work for there intended purpose and some do not. Many former tobacco smokers are finding the right combination of eliquid, atomizers and personal vaporizers keep them satisfied and no longer smoke burning tobacco.

As a former smoker I thought I would share valuable information about the electronic cigarette and what it can offer to smokers. I think it is important to mention up front that in my opinion, the e-cigarette is an alternative to smoking and not necessarily a cure for nicotine addiction.

I have met many people that claim to have slowly reduced the nicotine in their e-liquid and are now only vaping non-nicotine liquid, making them nicotine free. I have seen no clinical data showing that these products help to cure nicotine addiction in anyway. There is however clinical data describing exactly what is in the e-cigarette and how these ingredient’s compare to traditional cigarettes. We share these resources on our links page so that you can educate yourself and make informed decisions.

For now I can only say that vaping e-cigarettes is an alternative to smoking tobacco and not a cure for nicotine addiction. Therefore if you are not addicted to nicotine, don’t smoke and don’t start using e-cigarettes with nicotine e-liquid!

I think at the early stages of this article I should list the common terminology (lingo) used by the e-cigarette community. Then I will go into a little more detail how these devises work and in my opinion, what the advantages are over traditional cigarettes.Analogue: This is commonly referred to as a traditional cigarette.Atty: Atomizer - an electronic heating element use to turn liquid into vapor.Cart: Cartridge – The mouth piece containing e-liquid. Cartomizer, Carto: This is an atomizer and cartridge combined all in one unit to create vapor.Devise: This is the e-cigarette, a battery or electric pass through, main body. Drip, Dripping: This is a method of adding e-liquid (Juice) directly onto the atomizer.E-juice, juice, e-liquid: The liquid used to make vapor.LR  Atty: This is a low resistant atomizer that creates more power to the heating element.Mod: This is modification or another word for an e-cigarette devise.PG: Propylene Glycol – used as a vaporizable base for diluting the nicotine liquid and base for flavorings.PT: Pass-through – an e-cigarette devise using a power cord to plug into a wall or another power source.PV: Personal vaporizer – another word for an e-cigarette devise.TH: Throat hit – a sensation at the back of your throat when inhaling.Vape, Vaping, Vapor:  These words are used in place of the words smoke or smoking.VG: Vegetable Glycerin – used as a vaporizable base for diluting nicotine liquid and base for flavorings.

All these devises use an electric power source like a battery, or some type of low voltage power adapter to plug directly into a wall socket, car, computer, etc…  Therefore one piece is an electrical devise, known as a personal vaporizer or PV. The next piece is the Atomizer which is powered by the PV and has a heating coil within it. Next there is a cartridge that holds the e-liquid before it reaches the atomizer.

There are one piece disposable e-cigarettes that have all the components mentioned above in one sealed unit. They usually have an automatic battery, which means it is activated when you draw on it. Typically when the batteries in these units dye you throw them away.

The most common PV is called a three piece device. They usually have a rechargeable battery, an atomizer and a cartridge. These typically have what is called a manual (push button) battery, which most in the vaping community prefer for various reasons.

Another common PV and becoming very popular is the two piece devise.

This consists of a rechargeable battery with a cartomizer rather than an atomizer. The cartomizer is a combination atomizer and cartridge in one unit.

When the devise is activated (battery on) the e-liquid that is in contact with the atomizer or cartomizer is quickly heated and turns into vapor which is then inhaled. This is called vaping rather than smoking.

There is a raging debate going on about whether the e-cigarette is safer than smoking tobacco and until the facts are clearly defined, we at

Vapetec will re-frame from making any statements about safety.

Unfortunately the FDA and other government and non-government organizations are taking a firm stand against the electronic cigarette. It is

unclear at this time why they are taking this stand and why they refuse to discuss the science related to the studies showing favourable results.

What we do know is that smoking tobacco is definitely a killer and well documented. Therefore if you do not smoke, PLEASE DO NOT START!

For smokers that want to quit the best approach may very well be talking with your family doctor and follow their advice. Support groups are another good resource one should take advantage of.

As for smokers that just don’t want to quit for whatever the reason, vaping may be a better alternative. It certainly costs less than traditional cigarettes, has little or no odor and is less offensive to others. It is not a perfect product but it does have its advantages for those looking for choices.

Even though there is little to no smell with the e-cigarette, there is a lot of flavor, literally hundreds of flavors. This may be the number one reason so many former smokers choose to vape rather than smoke!

I recommend reading all the available information and decide for yourself if the electronic cigarette is right for you.