Several companies are currently selling an electronic version of a cigarette.
The device takes the form of a tiny rod which is slightly longer than a normal cigarette. The mouthpiece of the device contains a replaceable cartridge of substance. The cartridge is filled with a liquid containing nicotine (amongst other substances).
When air flows through the device, it is detected by a microprocessor. This microprocessor then activates an atomizer which injects tiny droplets of substance into the flowing air. The microprocessor also activates an orange led to simulate real smoking.
The units use a rechargeable battery as a power source.
The technology is patented by European Patent EP 1 618 803 A1.
Nicotine solution cartridges
The patent mentions four different recipes for the nicotine solution of the cartridge to be used with the electronic cigarette:
Substance | Recipe 1 | Recipe 2 | Recipe 3 | Recipe 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Propylene glycol | 85% | 80% | 90% | 80% |
Nicotine | 6% | 4% | 2% | 0.1% |
Glycerol | 2% | 5% | - | 5% |
Tobacco essence | - | 4% | 4.5% | 1% |
Essence | 2% | - | 1% | 1% |
Organic acid | 1% | - | - | 2% |
Anti-oxidation agent | 1% | - | - | - |
Butyl valerate | - | 1% | - | - |
Isopentyl hexonate | - | 1% | - | - |
Lauryl laurate | - | 0.6% | - | |
Benzyl benzoate | - | 0.4% | - | - |
Methyl octynicate | - | 0-5% | - | - |
Ethyl heptylate | - | 0.2% | - | - |
Hexyl hexanoate | - | 0.3% | - | - |
Geranyl butyrate | - | 2% | - | - |
Menthol | - | 0.5% | - | - |
Citric acid | - | 0.5% | 2.5% | - |
Water | - | - | - | 2.9% |
Alcohol | - | - | - | 8% |
Health issues
E-cigarettes are marketed as a "healthier" alternative for the consumption of tobacco (in comparison to smoking) since the atomisation of the substance does not produce the particulate matter which results from the combustion of plant material.
A toxicity study of the nicotine solutions has been performed by Prof. Dr. Bernd Mayer.
List of companies producing electronic cigarettes
- Ruyan
- Rooney
- SuperSmoker
- Smuke