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One of the most common questions I get asked every day is…

“How does an electronic cigarette compare to a tobacco cigarette?”

If you have found this website, I’m assuming you have already heard about electronic cigarettes, but for those who haven’t here is a quick definition:

Electronic Cigarette – From Wikipedia:

An electronic cigarette, e-cigarette or personal vaporizer, is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine or non-nicotine vaporized solution. It is an alternative to smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. In addition to purported nicotine delivery, this vapor also provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no smoke or combustion is actually involved in its operation.

See full definition here.

I believe the best way to cover this information is to do a question and answer session based on what I come across most frequently.

Q:  Are electronic cigarettes safe?

A: Because electronic cigarettes have no long term data as they have been around less than 10 years, I have no absolute answer to this question.  However, I can say they are definitely SAFER than tobacco cigarettes.  Despite the attempt by the FDA to scare users away from electronic cigarettes, even their own tests proved that electronic cigarettes were substantially safer than smoking tobacco. You can view the chemical comparison between the two here.

Q:  Is there nicotine in electronic cigarettes?

A: Yes and No.  E-liquid for electronic cigarettes is available in numerous nicotine strengths; however there is also zero nicotine liquid available.  It is up to the user to determine what is best for their needs. You can find more information on nicotine here.

Q:  Why do I see smoke?

A: What you see when using an electronic cigarette is not smoke, but vapor.  The vapor is primarily made of water, generally has no odor, nor does it leave a residue as it evaporates. If you’ve ever seen a fog machine, the concept is very similar.

Q:  Do electronic cigarettes cause cancer?

A: From the current data available, no.  E-liquid ingredients vary by manufacturer but most contain either Propylene Glycol or Vegetable Glycerin, neither of which is a known carcinogen.  Additional ingredients generally include distilled water and kosher food flavorings.

Q:  Do electronic cigarettes taste like tobacco cigarettes?

A: I have not found an e-liquid that exactly tastes like a burnt cigarette, mostly because it is not burnt.  There are several flavors out there that do come pretty close, however.  Most people discover quite quickly that it wasn’t the flavor of a cigarette that they craved, but the effect it had on their body/brain and often branch out into more exciting flavors.

Q:  Which is more expensive: electronic cigarettes or tobacco cigarettes?

A: Hands down electronic cigarettes are less expensive.  The initial cost is more… about the cost of a carton of tobacco cigarettes depending on brand and location.  There are some models that can be quite pricey upfront, but the average user can get a start-up kit for around $50.  Now compared to a $5 pack of cigarettes, this seems outrageous, but after the initial kit purchase, the cost of using electronic cigarettes drops dramatically to usually less than $50/mo while a pack a day smoking habit runs $150 – $200/mo.

And the big question….

Q:  Will electronic cigarettes help me quit smoking?

A: This is a tricky question from a legal stand point.  Electronic cigarettes are not designed for the treatment or cure of nicotine addiction.  They are not to be marketing as anything more than an alternative to smoking.  Statistically, however, over 80% of users (even those with no intention of quitting smoking) find that they prefer electronic cigarettes to tobacco cigarettes.  Many stop using tobacco immediately while others still use tobacco occasionally in addition to using an electronic cigarette. Some people use electronic cigarettes to step down their nicotine intake gradually until they no longer require it.  Others prefer to continue using nicotine through their electronic cigarettes indefinitely.  It all comes down to personal choice.

For more information on the differences between tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, view the additional pages on this site.