Electronic Cigarette (E-Cig)

 An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is a device that attempts to simulate the act of smoking by producing a mist/vapour, giving the physical sensation, appearance, and often the flavour of a traditional smoke. The device uses heat, or in some cases ultrasonics, to vaporize a propylene glycol- or glycerin-based liquid solution into a mist/vapour.

Most electronic cigarettes are designed to resemble actual smoking implements, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Most are also reusable, with replaceable and refillable parts, but some models are disposable.

The electronic cigarette was invented by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003 and introduced to the market the following year.

Components of an E-cigarette

 
battery (also houses circuitry)
atomizer (heating element)
cartridge (mouthpiece)

Electronic cigarettes generally consist of three primary components: a cartridge, an atomizer, and a battery unit. Some designs implement a disposable integrated cartridge/atomizer component known as a cartomizer.

Most reusable electronic cigarette models are manufactured according to some standard for their connections, making their components interchangeable. One of the current dominating attachment standards is the 510, many components available are made to fit the 510 model.

Cartridge

The cartridge is a small, usually disposable, plastic container with openings on each end. It generally houses an absorbent, sponge-like material saturated with the liquid solution to be vaporized. The mouthpiece is constructed so that the vapor produced can flow past the solution container to reach the user's mouth.

When the liquid in the cartridge has been depleted, the user can generally choose between refilling it, or replacing it with another pre-filled cartridge.

Atomizer

The atomizer is a heating element that serves to vaporize the e-liquid. The action is either triggered by a button (manual battery) or by suction (automatic battery). Once the system is energized, energy flows from the battery up into the coil. This causes the coil to generate heat, boiling the eliquid that has been trapped in the wicking material. This generates steam or vapour (infused with flavor).

 Power source and electronics

Most electronic cigarettes are powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The housing for the battery and electronic circuitry is usually the largest component of an electronic cigarette. It is generally referred to simply as the "battery". This unit may contain an electronic airflow sensor for automated operation, or a button for manual operation. A timed cut off switch (to prevent overheating) and/or a coloured LED may also be included here.

 A PCC for electronic cigarettes

To recharge their batteries, many different types of battery chargers – such as AC outlet, car, and USB – are usually available. Some manufacturers also offer a "Portable Charging Case," or "PCC", which contains a large rechargeable battery that is then used to charge a smaller battery within the individual e-cigarettes.

Another power option is direct USB power, which is available for most electronic cigarette models. A USB-tethered module is attached to the cigarette in place of a battery, and must be plugged into a computer's USB port or a USB AC adapter in order to operate.

Liquids

Liquids used to produce vapour in electronic cigarettes are widely sold separately for use in refillable cartridges. Liquid is commonly known as "e-liquid", "e-juice", etc. in keeping with the "e-" nomenclature. Liquids commonly contain some amount of flavouring, with hundreds of different flavours available. Some flavour varieties attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol, and some even attempt to mimic specific brands. Fruit and other flavours, such as chocolate, vanilla, caramel, coffee, and cola, are also available.

Liquid solution consists of flavouring and dissolved in one or several hygroscopic components, which turns the water in the solution into the smoke-like vapour when heated. The most commonly used hygroscopic components are propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. Both are common food additives and used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes propylene glycol on its list of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and it meets the requirements of acceptable compounds within Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is also used to make the visual smoke created when you use an electronic cigarette. Vegetable Glycerine, is a clear, virtually odorless, viscous fluid which is slightly thicker and sweeter than propylene glycol. Vegetable Glycerin is extracted from the natural oils found in vegetables and is used in more than 1500 applications, many of them as additives to food and drink.

Advise: Electronic Cigarette´s are not toys, nor are they intended for use by children or young adults. You must be of at least 18/21 years of age (depending on your provincial smoking laws) or older to purchase or use an electronic cigarette. By entering this site you agree you are of legal smoking age in your jurisdiction.  Our electronic cigarettes have not been evaluated by Health Canada. They are not intended to be drug products that treat, cure, or mitigate any disease or condition. This product is not a smoking cessation device.  This product may contain propylene glycol, glycerin, and/or vegetable glycerin. Do not use this item if you are a non-smoker or if you are pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children, pets and the irresponsible.