E-cigarettes have been the single greatest revolution in the tobacco industry in recent times. For those curious as to the inner workings of these new tools, we’ve explored how they work and how they compare to the traditional cigarette.
Transcript:
How a Cigarette Works:
A cigarette is a thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled into paper.
The process
Once lit, the tobacco is inhaled through a cartridge.
Cigarette health concerns
Cigarettes contain around 4000 chemicals, 60 of which cause cancer.
They contain: tar, carbon monoxide, cyanide, arsenic and lead among other radioactive compounds.
Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is estimated to increase the risk of:
– Coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times
– Stroke by 2 to 4 times
– Men developing lung cancer by 25 times
– Women developing lung cancer by 25.7 times
How an E-Cigarette Works:
An e-cigarette is a battery-operated device with a re-fillable to contain e-liquid.
The process
Inside the atomiser is a wick, or wadding, which soaks up and holds the e-liquid.
A heating element in the shape of a coil is wrapped around the wadding.
When the e-cigarette is activated by pressing the button or inhaling, the coil heats up the e-liquid, producing vapour which resembles smoke.
E-liquid is heated by coils
Batteries power the coils
Coils turn e-liquid to vapour when inhaled
What is in e-liquid?
E-liquid is made up of two base ingredients and then flavouring to produce a smooth taste:
– Propylene Glycol
– Vegetable Glycerin
– Added flavours
– Nicotine (0-2%)
E-liquid strength depends on the amount of nicotine which comes in several different concentrations:
We hope this clears up any questions you have about the inner workings of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Know someone else with questions? Send them over here!
