Your Questions

How do electronic cigarettes work?

A refillable cartridge containing liquid nicotine is heated by an element stored within the electronic cigarette, turning the liquid into a richly flavoured vapour which users inhale. The vapour resembles conventional cigarette smoke in consistency and obviously contains nicotine, the addictive stimulant that motivates users to continue their habit.

Where can I smoke them?

In theory – anywhere. As electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco and smoking them does not involve combustion of any kind, they are generally exempt from regulations prohibiting tobacco smoking in public places. However, some companies and places may have introduced special rules for electronic cigarettes.

Are there different ‘flavours’ available?

Some electronic cigarettes manufacturers do offer special flavours – for example, mint and strawberry – but these are controversial in some countries due to concerns they may attract children. Most manufacturers do, however, offer different nicotine strengths as traditional menthol flavour.

How long do batteries last before they need to be re-charged?

Normally two to three days, but this is obviously affected by how often you like to smoke, as well by your model and brand of choice.

How much do they tend to cost?

Costs differ by country, but electronic cigarettes are always cheaper than the heavily taxed tobacco variety, usually by a considerable margin. As a rough guideline, a quarter of the cost of tobacco cigarettes is not unusual.

Are electronic cigarettes safe?

Nicotine – the principal constituent of e-smoke – is a stimulant with similar effects to caffeine, but it differs in one key aspect: addictiveness! Quitting may mean some unpleasant side-effects, but nicotine is not harmful to health when consumed in normal doses. The dense mix of cancer-causing chemicals present in tobacco smoke is entirely absent from electronic cigarettes.