Right: Gollum hides his e-cig from marauding hobbits. Vaping is being taken seriously by some, but others seem to remember the words of an English king in an earlier time, describing tobacco pipes as 'a fire on one end and a fool on the other'.
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Background information
Background
(The information below was derived primarily from the Wikipedia entry titled Electronic cigarette, accessed at
and the Wikipedia entry titled Regulation of electronic cigarettes accessed at Physical description
Electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes) are battery powered devices which heat liquid (also called e-liquid) into an aerosol which is inhaled into a person's lungs. The aerosol is often called 'vapour'. E-cigarettes are also called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS), or e-cigs.
Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called vaping. The liquid in the e-cigarette is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavourings. Not all e-liquids contain nicotine.
The health risks of e-cigarettes are uncertain, but they are probably safer than tobacco cigarettes. Their long-term health effects are not known. They can help some smokers quit. When used by non-smokers, e-cigarettes can lead to nicotine addiction, and there is concern that children could start smoking after using e-cigarettes. So far, no serious adverse effects have been reported in trials. Less serious adverse effects include throat and mouth irritation, vomiting, nausea, and coughing.
The exact composition of the e-cigarette vapour varies. The majority of toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke are absent in e-cigarette aerosol. Those present are mostly below 1% corresponding levels in tobacco smoke. Some contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to popcorn lung. The aerosol can contain toxicants and traces of heavy metals at levels permissible in inhalation medicines, and potentially harmful chemicals not found in tobacco smoke at concentrations permissible by workplace safety standards. However, chemical concentrations may exceed the stricter public safety limits.
History and increasing popularity
The modern e-cigarette was invented in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, and as of 2015 most e-cigarettes are made in China. Since they were first sold in 2004 their global use has risen exponentially. In the United States and the United Kingdom their use is widespread. Reasons for using e-cigarettes involve trying to quit smoking, reduce risk, or save money, though many use them recreationally. A majority of users still smoke tobacco, causing concerns that dual use may "delay or deter quitting". About 60% of UK users are smokers and roughly 40% are ex-smokers. In the UK use among never-smokers was negligible. Because of overlap with tobacco laws and medical drug policies, e-cigarette legislation is debated in many countries. A European directive of 2016 set standards for liquids, vaporizers, ingredients and child-proof liquid containers. As of August 2016, the US FDA extended its regulatory power to include e-cigarettes.
Since their introduction to North America and Europe in 2007, the devices have become known by over 500 different brand names. Consumption among adults doubled by 2012, and by 2014, about 4% of US adults used e-cigarettes every day or some days. Global sales are in excess of US$7 billion.
Regulation of e-cigarettes
Regulation of electronic cigarettes varies across countries and states, ranging from no regulation to banning them entirely. Others have introduced strict restrictions and some have licensed devices as medicines such as in the UK. As of 2015, around two thirds of major nations have regulated e-cigarettes in some way. Because of the potential relationship with tobacco laws and medical drug policies, e-cigarette legislation is being debated in many countries. The companies that make e-cigarettes have been pushing for laws that support their interests
Australia
Nicotine is classified as an S7 poison in Australia and in all Australian states and territories it is an offence to manufacture, sell or supply nicotine without a licence or specific authorisation.
This means e-cigarettes containing nicotine cannot be sold in any Australian state or territory. There are several reported instances where individuals have been charged with the illegal supply of liquid nicotine for use in e-cigarettes in Queensland.
A recent clarification from the Federal Department of Health stated that nicotine can be imported by an individual for use as an unapproved therapeutic good (e.g. a smoking cessation aid), but the importer must hold a prescription from an Australian registered medical practitioner and only import 3 months' supply at any one time.
United States
2014 figures indicate more than 9 million consumers in the United States regularly use e-cigarettes. Vaping is not consistently regulated across the United States. Some state and regional governments have extended their indoor smoking bans to include e-cigarettes.
A review of regulations in 40 states found some state definitions allow e-cigarettes to avoid smoke-free laws, taxation, and restrictions on sales and marketing. The tobacco industry heavily lobbies states to make it harder to regulate and tax e-cigarettes.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, and cigars. E-cigarettes were brought under FDA regulation in August 2016.
Under the 2016 ruling, the FDA will evaluate certain issues, including ingredients, product features and health risks, as well their appeal to minors and non-users. The FDA rule also bans access to minors. A photo ID is required to buy e-cigarettes, and their sale in all-ages vending machines is not permitted. The FDA in September 2016 has sent warning letters for unlawful underage sales to online retailers and retailers of e-cigarettes.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the use, sale and advertising of e-cigarettes are legal and e-cigarettes are not covered by laws restricting smoking in public places. However, businesses may choose to ban e-cigarettes as well. A notable example is Transport for London, banning smoking and vaping as their Conditions of Carriage. Effective 1 October 2015, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids to minors. In 2014 the government announced legislation would be brought forward to outlaw the purchase of e-cigarettes by people under the age of 18.
In October 2014 the United Kingdom's Advertising Standards Authority changed the regulations on e-cigarette advertising, allowing the devices to appear in TV ads from 10 November.
In June 2015 the Welsh Government announced that under legislation it planned to pass, in Wales e-cigarettes would be included in existing bans on smoking in workplaces and other public spaces.