E-cigarettes-( Basic Facts)

E-cigarettes are the most common form of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). These are basically devices that do not burn or use tobacco leaves. Instead, they vaporise a solution using a battery. This vapour is then inhaled by the user. Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “JUULing.”

The main constituents of the solution, in addition to nicotine when nicotine is present, are propylene glycol, with or without glycerol and flavouring agents .

The effectiveness of e-cigarettes depends on a range of factors such as the battery's strength, the nature of unit circuit, solutions used and the user's behaviour, among others. Stronger the voltage and circuit, faster will the solution heat up and vaporise, and more effective will be the product.

The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:

• Nicotine Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

• Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease

• Volatile organic compounds

• Cancer-causing chemicals

• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

The government’s decision to ban e-cigarettes is the way forward towards an addiction-free society.