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Vaping and e-cigarettes - UpToDate

INTRODUCTION

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or ECs) are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid usually containing nicotine, producing an aerosol that the user inhales (or "vapes"). ECs entered the market in 2003 in China and entered the United States and European markets in 2006. In many areas, ECs entered the market as consumer products without government regulation as medical products. Initially produced by small companies, tobacco companies have bought some of the small companies that initially produced these products and are further developing and marketing them. They are available both online and in traditional retail outlets.

This topic will provide an overview of ECs, including information about devices, use, components, adverse health effects, use in smoking cessation, impact on public health, and suggestions for patient counseling.