In the UK, it has been estimated that at least 20 per cent of the population smoke cigarettes on a regular basis. Many people in Britain smoke for a wide variety of reasons, such as stress relief, relaxation, and of course in social settings.
The government is determined to completely lower and even eradicate smoking in general from our lives, and considering smoking is responsible for over 86% of deaths from lung cancer; in 2010, more than 60,000 people have died from cancer where smoking has been attributed as the cause.
If you want to give up smoking, did you know that there is a great way to do so without having to go ‘cold turkey’?
Introducing electronic cigarettes
An electronic cigarette (often referred to as e-cigarettes or e-cigs) is a very 21st century way of helping people to give up smoking real cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are essentially electronic inhalers which help to simulate and substitute certain aspects of cigarette smoking. They use replaceable cartridges filled with eliquid, and you can either buy disposable cartridges or you can refill them by purchasing bottles of eliquid.
How do e-cigarettes work?
Electronic cigarettes are made up of three parts:
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A battery, which can be recharged from an AC adapter or USB cable;
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A cartridge, which contains eliquid;
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An atomiser, which consists of a heater coil and wick and produces vapour from the eliquid.
E-cigarettes work automatically, so you do not need to turn it on or off – just inhale normally as you would with a traditional cigarette.
What is eliquid?
Eliquid is the liquid solution used for creating vapour by the electronic cigarette. Generally, a solution of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or polyethylene glycol 400 (or any combination of the three) is mixed with concentrated flavours. They are also sometimes mixed with liquid nicotine concentrate.
As mentioned earlier, you can buy eliquid inside disposable cartridges, or you can buy a bottle of the solution to use in refillable cartridges. There is a plethora of flavours available, such as almond, apple, cinnamon, menthol, and strawberry to name but a few.
The benefits of using electronic cigarettes
There are many benefits for using electronic cigarettes over conventional cigarettes:
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Similar sensation – the sensation you get from an e-cigarette is very similar to what you get with normal cigarettes;
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Safer way of smoking – e-cigarettes do not contain harmful tar or carbon monoxide, and are considered by many people as a safer way to smoke;
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Can be used in public places – they can be used in pubs, clubs, and in public places where smoking is prohibited;
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Different flavours – you can personalise your e-cigarettes with a number of great flavours, something which you cannot do with traditional cigarettes;
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Cost savings – cigarettes are quite expensive to buy nowadays, whereas the e-cigarette option is considerably cheaper, making this a great way to save your money as well as your health!
How to quit smoking using e-cigarettes
Depending on how much you smoke a day, some people tend to use e-cigarettes alongside traditional cigarettes as a way of gradually cutting down cigarette use, whereas others prefer to just simply switch over.
Cartridges of eliquid are available in various sizes, so if you are a heavy smoker then you may wish to start off with a high amount such as 18-26 mg and gradually lower the amount you have.
