Electronic Cigarettes/eCigarettes - what are they?
- Electronic Cigarettes are an alternative to smoking tobacco-based products
- They contain nicotine and enable you to get a traditional nicotine hit without smoking (or there are nicotine-free cartomisers if you wish to simulate the act of smoking but cut out nicotine altogether)
- They are slightly longer than a normal cigarette
- They emit scent-less vapour instead of smoke
- They do not contain tobacco
- They produce an authentic glow at the tip when you inhale on them
- They are completely legal and can legally be used indoors
- They are handy to use in situations when smoking is not possible, such as in the car, at work, or on an airplane
What Electronic cigarettes/eCigarettes are not:
- Electronic Cigarettes are not tobacco products
- Electronic Cigarettes are not classified as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products
Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to regular cigarettes that contain nicotine but absolutely no tar. The lack of tar makes electronic cigarettes a safe alternative to regular cigarettes as it is the tar that is responsible for the majority of the health risks associated with smoking.
Electronic cigarettes give your body the nicotine it is craving, and allow you to perform the same physical 'smoking action' that many smokers become psychologically addicted to. The fact that they don't actually emit any smoke means you can safely use them indoors and around other people, and they completely eradicate the 'smoking smell' normally left after smoking a cigarette. This makes them ideal for use in public places and around non-smokers. Simply take a few puffs whenever you feel the urge; this also removes the compulsion to smoke an entire cigareete, allowing you to gradually reduce the number of puffs, and thus the amount of nicotine that enters your body.
If you're trying to give up smoking then it's important to remember that electronic cigarettes are not designed to help you stop smoking, they are just a safe alternative to smoking. Many people though have found that the eCigarette can be a useful bridge in reducing your cigarette consumption as the first step to quitting.
