An electronic cigarette, also known as an eCigarette, eCig, personal vaporizer or PV, is an electronic inhaler that vaporizes a liquid solution into an aerosol mist, simulating the act of tobacco smoking. When first introduced in 2006, eCigarettes where first marketed as smoking cessation aids or tobacco replacements. While still functioning in that capacity, “vaping” (“smoking” an eCigarette) has become a more socially acceptable method of enjoying a flavorful inhalation activity.
Upon inhalation, the eCigarettes internal heater, known as the atomizer, vaporizes a nicotine solution turning it into a vapor. The user in turn inhales this to get the similar nicotine “hit” as a normal cigarette with real smoking satisfaction.
There are similarities between conventional and some eCigarettes in the physical design and the nicotine release, which may approximate the same amount of nicotine as a conventional cigarette. There are also many electronic cigarettes which do not resemble conventional cigarettes at all. The amount of nicotine contained can also be chosen by the user, with some people choosing no nicotine at all.