Electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapourisers or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),1
 are
battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine by heating a solution of nicotine, flavouring, additives and
propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine (glycerol). The devices typically consist of a mouthpiece,
battery and cartridge or tank containing the nicotine solution.2

When a user sucks on the device, a sensor detects air flow which activates a heating element (the
‘atomiser’) which heats the liquid in the cartridge so that it evaporates. The vapour delivers the nicotine
to the user. Electronic cigarettes were developed to mimic the action of smoking, including nicotine
delivery, without the toxic effect of tobacco smoke.3

When a person smokes a conventional tobacco cigarette, smoke is inhaled into the lungs and then
exhaled. Smoke is also emitted from the burning tip of the cigarette, releasing toxins into the air. By
contrast, as there is no combustion involved in the use of electronic cigarettes there is no smoke.
Vapour is released into the air only when the user exhales.
There are three main types of electronic cigarettes or vapourisers:
•     “Cig-a-like” products - This first generation of electronic cigarettes were designed to resemble
tobacco cigarettes. They sometimes have a light at the end that glows when the user draws on the
device to resemble a lit cigarette. These consist of either non-rechargeable disposable models or an
electronic cigarette kit that is rechargeable and includes replaceable pre-filled cartridges.
•     ‘Tank’ models (also known as vape pens) - An electronic cigarette that is rechargeable and
has a tank or reservoir which has to be filled with liquid nicotine. Tank models have now become
Electronic cigarettes
(also known as vapourisers)
February 2016
ASH Briefing: Electronic Cigarettes 2
more commonplace and allow the user to choose from a broader range of nicotine strengths and
flavourings.
•     ‘Mods’ (or advanced personal vaporisers) – A more complex tank model which can be manually
customised by, for example, adjusting the voltage on the device.