Most e-cigarettes are very similar in size, shape and color to a regular tobacco cigarette. There are some variations depending on which manufacturer you decide to purchase from. You can choose from a standard or longer length (similar to kings or 100's) or for cigar smokers there are slightly larger diameter models. So not to leave anyone out e-pipes are available as well.

The most marked and important difference between tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes is the absence of irritating and toxic smoke. There is no tobacco, no burning, no combustion that takes place. So there is no smoke. E-cigarettes contain only a liquid nicotine solution which is inhaled in a water vapor (steam) that feels warm and looks like smoke. The best thing, needless to say, is that it isn't smoke.

Once the nicotine vapor is exhaled, it quickly dissipates leaving you with the same satisfactory sensation you would receive with a tobacco cigarette. Many users refer to this as 'vaping', since vapor is what they're inhaling, And 'vaping' seems to be quickly catching on with the use of the electronic cigarette device spreading widely.

The taste of the nicotine solution is very similar to tobacco. Many users report that it actually tastes cleaner which would make sense given that the harsh chemicals created by burning have been eliminated. Former menthol tobacco smokers will be pleased to learn too that their flavor is also available as are vanilla, chocolate and several fruit flavors. Sounds good to me since I really liked those little cherry flavored cigars. Now I can have the taste without the smoke.

If you've ever smoked a plastic tipped cigar you'll notice little if any difference with the e-cigarette except that 'hoooray!!!!' you'll be smoke free. Another huge plus is that since there is no offensive second hand smoke you can technically 'smoke'/vape anywhere.

Looking at the price of an electronic cigarette starter kit may create some reluctance in current tobacco smokers to switch over. It can range anywhere from 40 to 150 dollars depending on which manufacturer you're dealing with. But let's do a little math. If you are presently a pack a day tobacco smoker and you're spending on the average 4 to 5 dollars per pack then in a month's time you've already spent the cost of the priciest starter kit on the market. And you're still inhaling all those horrible toxins along with the nicotine.

We all know that smoking is a dangerous habit. Many of us may also know someone who suffers from respiratory problems and heart disease as a result of years of smoking. We may have even lost a friend or loved one because of their addiction. I have never, nor will I ever advocate the use of a nicotine product to anyone who does not already have the habit. But being a long-time smoker myself and having tried and not been able to give up the habit I say a smokeless nicotine delivery system is the next best thing. I won't be inhaling carbon monoxide, nitrosamin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocabron or formaldehyde. And more importantly I won't be exposing the people I care about, children or my pets, to smoke filled with toxic substances. So I've just ordered my own starter kit. Maybe you'll see me in the check in line at an airport, happily 'vaping' away.

The FDA has also expressed concern that the variety of flavors available for use with the electronic cigarettes are being marketed to teenagers who shop in malls. They worry that this is but another ploy to create nicotine addiction in young people. This is a legitimate concern but let's not be too quick to concede to the banning of a product before looking at the benefits it may provide.

Most tobacco smokers are aware that their products contain dozens and dozens of known carcinogenic substances. We might not like to think about it but there are plenty of daily reminders all around us. We might have started because we thought it was cool and continue to smoke now to maintain the high caused by the nicotine that we have become addicted to. Tobacco cigarettes provide that nicotine 'fix' but also expose us and everyone around us to thousands of toxins. Electronic Cigarettes eliminate nearly all of those toxic substances by doing away with having to 'light up'. When there's no fire, there's no smoke.

If we are struggling to give up the smoking habit altogether, electric cigarettes would appear to be a quite viable solution.

Here in the U.S. our society's young people are constantly on the look out for the latest, greatest thing. We adults owe it to them to teach them about the hazards that we are aware of. while electronic cigarettes may be considered 'cool' by some it is every adult's responsibility to explain that it is no more than a mere tool to help us kick the tobacco habit. We're still addicted and may always be but at the very least we now have a mechanism at our disposal that will keep the air they breathe clean.

I seriously doubt that even the heaviest user of any substance likes being dependant on any drug to get them through the day. But when a less harmless alternative becomes available we should have the freedom to choose it over a proven more dangerous product such as tobacco cigarettes. As of yet I have not seen any electronic cigarette advertisement targeting young people. They appear to be marketing for adults who already smoke and are looking for a healthier alternative. The starter kits are also not cheap which makes them less practical and appealing for most teenagers.

Since they still contain nicotine electronic cigarettes should be regulated the same as any addictive substance such as tobacco and alcohol and not be allowed to be sold to underage kids.

The electronic cigarette manufacturers' objective is to provide tobacco smokers with a cleaner, less harmful alternative that also makes it possible to feed your nicotine craving in public places.

E-cigarettes are a nicotine delivery system that eliminates the thousands of toxic substances (over 4000, to be exact) found in ordinary tobacco cigarette smoke. Since the amount of nicotine you receive can be controlled by switching from higher to medium to low strength cartride and even to no nicotine at all, it would seem logical that it could be used effectively to wean yourself off of nicotine entirely over a period of time. In effect, if undertaken with the goal of eventually freeing yourself completely from the addiction and dependency it could function very similarly to the way the patch, gum, inhaler and lozenges are used.

There have been no official studies conducted as of yet as to the success of former tobacco smokers who have quit using the e-cigarette. There are, however, several electronic cigarette/vaping forums where present and former users gather to make inquiries, post their experiences and success stories as well as lend support end encouragement to those who share similar goals. Some of these folks have been heavy smokers for decades and have succeeded in quitting altogether using the e-cigarette.

As with many endeavors most of us will find that we progress much more effectively when we align ourselves with like minded people. Personal research along with sharing of information at places like the 'vaping' forums previously mentioned can help us to make intelligent decisions about various products and methods of using them effectively.

For those of us finding it too difficult to quit or who enjoy the nicotine buzz too much to ever give it up completely electronic cigarettes provide us with a welcome and pleasurable means of maintaining our chosen lifestyles without infringing on the rights of others to breathe clean air. They'll appreciate that. Plus, over time, once we've freed ourselves from the harsh, toxic chemicals that lighting up use to expose us to, we'll appreciate not hearing "Daddy, you stink," from our kids when we come home from work.

If you're satisfied with the particular model that you have purchased then it's a good idea to buy extra batteries. New batteries should be charged for a full 12 hours even if the charger indicates that it is done charging. Re-charging should last about four hours. A car charger will allow you to 'vape' while driving and save your batteries. Another convenient item is a USB passthrough that will allow you to indulge at your computer.

Most manufacturers recommend starting with a low dose nicotine cartridge. These can be purchased pre-filled or your may buy e-liquid separately and fill the cartridge yourself. Starting with the low dose will ensure that you don't get more nicotine then you're accustomed to. After some experimenting with your e-cigarette you may want to try using a stronger dose. The doses available are high, medium, low and none for those working at kicking the habit. You many even like to try one of the variety of flavors such as menthol, vanilla, chocolate etc.

When inhaling the vaporized nicotine you should take long, slow draws. This will give you the most vapor volume which for most 'use to be' tobacco smokers is the most satisfying. Avoid short, hard puffs since these tend to flood the atomizer. This causes reduced vapor volume and may even allow liquid to enter your mouth.

If you have purchased a three part e-cartridge, the atomizer being a separate component, it is important to clean the atomizer regularly and thuroughly. After flushing it should be left to dry for 24 hours before next use.

If your device is of the two part variety you will be using a fresh atomizer each time you change cartridges since these two components are combined.

You should dispose or clean the cartridge when they become dark brown. Kept in good condition cartridges can deliver from 100 to 400 'drags'.

Some things to remember NOT to do with your e-cigarette include:

* Never use the cartridge when it is dry. This will destroy the atomizer.
* If you refill your own cartridges fill it just before a puddle of liquid forms on the top. Over filling can result in getting liquid in your mouth when inhaling the first couple of 'drags'.
* Do not leave e-cigarette batteries or cartridges in places below freezing or aboe 120F. This can harm them.
* If atomizer becomes hot while use discontinue until atomizer cools or it may be destroyed.
* Do not continue to use a battery if it becomes hot.

These tips will help to maintain your electronic cigarette and keep it working like new.

It's all pretty exciting, really. Congratulations, you have made a big decision.

Before you act on that decision by rushing off to buy your kit, there are a few more things you should know. You have a Lot of choices. First you might want to think about what size you want to get. Using a size you find comfortable is important to your enjoyment.

You can find smokeless cigarettes in a wide variety of sizes. The most popular sizes are those that come closest to cigarette sizes. There are no standardized sizes or name of sizes. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It can get a little confusing. For instance, what they might call "Mini" Ecigs, are probably the closest in size to a standard american tobacco cig. You'll also come across "Super cigs" (Bigger) and "Super minis"(the smallest).

When thinking about size, remember there is more to size, than just well, size. The smaller e-cigs are likely to have shorter battery life and a weaker vapor. The largest ones likely to have the strongest vapor and longest battery life.
In considering which smokeless cigarette kit you'll buy, remember to check out the sizes they offer. Don't forget flavors. If you are a die hard menthol smoker, you'll want to be certain that they have menthol cartiges available for the e-cig you choose. Different manufacturers have different varieties of flavors available. Check the variety before purchasing in case you feel like branching out later on.

One last note to remember as you sort through all the ads for your very own smokeless nicotene delivery system:
Not all e-cigarettes are created equal. Some are prone to clogged atomizers ( a real pain in the neck). Others have terribly short battery life. Unfortunately there are many companies selling e-cigs that are simply poorly engineered, and manufactured on the cheap. The best you can do to avoid these problems is keep reading up, as you are doing.

Fortunately there are a handful of reputable companies with top of the line electronic cigarettes that will give you a satisfying "smoking" experience without all the hassles. For some information on one of the best ecigs available, read this review: Smokeless Cigarettes.

These are all practical concerns and well worth addressing. Below is a list of FAQ's and answers for you smokers to ponder before reaching for that next smelly tobacco stogie.

1. Is using an electronic cigarette like smoking a 'real' cigarette?

A huge percentage of present e-cigarette users report a remarkable similarity between the satisfaction they receive from inhaling smoke from a tobacco cigarette and 'vapor' from an electronic cigarette. In fact many heavy tobacco users have been able to switch over entirely to the e-cigarette in a matter of days without feeling like they're missing out on anything. The vapor from the electronic device feels, looks and tastes like tobacco smoke.

2. How safe is the electronic cigarette?

By eliminating the thousands of toxins created by the burning of tobacco it only stands to reason that electronic cigarettes have to be considerably safer. The main ingredients in solution that is vaporized and inhaled are nicotine,water, propylene glycol and one of the optional flavors. Propylene glycol is an odorless and harmless substance. Nicotine, by itself, is reported by the Royal College of Physicians to have no long term ill health efects.

3. Can electronic cigarettes be used as part of a 'quit smoking' regimen?

Certainly. The amount of nicotine delivered by e-cigarettes can be controlled. Zero,low, medium and high dosage cartridges can be used depending on what the current tobacco user is accustomed to using. Over time you could conveivably lower your dosage down to the zero nicotine content cartridge which would allow you, if desired, to continue the physical aspect of 'smoking' while inhaling only one of the optional flavors such as mint, vanilla, chocolate, etc. Quitting smoking requires a strong conviction to address not only the nicotine craving but the many 'triggers' that we associate with smoking. Since it is not under the jurisdiction of the FDA right now the agency is not in a position to approve the product as a smoking cessation device. But consider that those products which are approved such as the patch, gum, lozenges etc. still deliver controlled amounts of nicotine into your system.

4. Can I use an electronic cigarette in public spaces?

Smoking bans have been implemented to protect our citizens from hazardous chemicals transported by the burning of tobacco. Fire prevention is another. Electronic cigarettes produce no flame or smoke and therefore do not fall under that description. E-cigarettes produce only an odorless, quickly dissipating vapor. Attention may be called to the user by the appearance of the product ( a colored Led glows at the tip when airflow is created ), so obtaining permission from restaurant management, airport personnel, or similar locations is suggested.

5. Are manufacturers targeting teenagers?

There are no advertisements featuring the use of this product by teenagers or promoting it as something that is 'cool'. The optional flavors are just that, optional and appeal to many adults just as menthol tobacco cigarettes and cherry and rum flavored cigars have for years. The cost of the starter kit, anywhere from 80 to more than 100 dollars, also makes this product much less attractive to kids.

6. Where are electronic cigarettes sold?

Several brands are available for purchase on line. Just go to your search engine and type in 'electronic cigarretes' or 'e-cigarrettes'. Some companies are even offering free trial periods. If you're not satisfied you can return the kits and are only out the shipping and handling charge. Some tobacco shops are starting to carry them as well and kiosks are appearing in malls and shopping centers. Do a little research before you hand over your greenbacks since some of the cheaper brands have been discovered to be wrought with mechanical problems. It's worth it to spend a few extra dollars to ensure that your device is of good quality.

I could not imagine what sort of online smoke shop or virtual smoking lounge they had come up with now. Well, silly me! It turns out E-smoking isn't something you do on your PC. E-smoking is what they call it when you use an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette.

So, what are electronic cigarettes? Here is some info about what they are, how they work, and what benefits they might provide.

An electronic cigarette, (also called e-cig, ecigarette, or smokeless cigarette), is actually an ingenious little battery operated device designed to look, feel, function, and even taste like a real tobacco cigarette. Basically a nicotine delivery system, ecigarettes provide the user with a surprisingly realistic smoking experience without all the harmful effects of actual smoking.

An electronic cigarette is essentially made up of three main parts: A battery, an Atomizer and a nicotine cartridge. All these parts coexist in a unit just about the size and shape of a normal cigarette. The Battery is a rechargeable battery, shaped to look like the white part of the cigarette. The battery powers the atomizer. Batteries generally last for 150 to 400 puffs before needing a recharge. An atomizer works by heating up the liquid nicotine mixture and turning it to a vapor.

This vapor looks, feels and tastes like real smoke, but does not contain any of the thousands of toxic products of combustion that true smoke contains because nothing is burning. The nicotine cartridges contain a mixture of water and nicotine. Other ingredients are included to make the vapor look and taste like real cigarette smoke. A single cartridge can be expected to provide nicotine comparable to about a pack to a pack and a half of regular cigs. Cartridges are available in different strengths, comparable to regular, light and ultra light tobacco cigs. They also come in a variety of flavors. In addition to regular and menthol, there are also chocolate, vanilla and fruit flavors available.

Some newer models combine the cartridge and atomizer into one disposable unit. (Non disposable atomizers can get clogged over time reducing the efficiency of the system.) A small sensor/microprocessor starts the whole thing going when you suck air through it! They even have a little LED light on the end to indicate that it is working and also creates the illusion of a burning tip of a tobacco cigarette.

Didn't I say it was ingenious?

To some of you serious smokers the potential advantages of such a smokeless nicotine delivery system will be immediately apparent. Since there is no smoke ( just vapor that looks like smoke; a lot like what a fog machine makes) there is of course no second hand smoke! No more guilt, or worry about annoying or poisoning your loved ones.

The small amount of odor from a smokeless cig does not linger, and doesn't cling to everything it touches. Imagine, your home, car, wardrobe hair, no longer smelling like an ashtray!.

Speaking of ashtrays, there is another messy issue that a smoker who becomes an e-smoker will no longer have to deal with. E-cigs cannot turn your teeth and fingers yellow nor do they pose a fire risk.

While some aspects of electronic cigarettes remain controversial, these benefits alone make them worth considering for many smokers.

When you burn tobacco the combustion process releases thousands of toxic substances, sixty of which are known carcinogens. This is what causes respiratory diseases and lung cancer, not the nicotine. Electronic cigarettes produce none of these toxins. No tar, no carbon monoxide, no lingering odor that clings to your clothes, hair and car upholstery and no ashes or yellow stains on your fingers and teeth.

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke. For the long time smoker who wishes to continue smoking but wants to avoid all the other harmful substances electronic cigarettes are definitely a safer alternative. They still deliver the nicotine that we crave without exposing ourselves and everyone around us, including our pets, to caustic and offensive smoke.

The delivery system of some electronic cigarettes uses a nicotine liquid which has been recently reported by the FDA to contain traces of carcinogens, although they do not appear to be in high doses. Before deciding that that's all you need to know to decide against using the e-cigarette, consider that these substances are also found in nicotine patches and gum used for smoking cessation that are approved by the FDA. Funny thing, eh? Traces of carcinogens are also found in many commonly used food items, tooth paste, and many other things, but that doesn't keep them off the shelves.

Of course we all should be concerned about the quality of the foods we consume and the air that we breathe. With the advent of the electronic cigarette we smokers can now do out part to help clear the air. We'll also have the added bonus of not having to give up one of the little pleasures in life and we'll be healthier too.

At present we do not know if electronic cigarettes are totally safe and until further tests have been done we should assume that they are not. However, compared to tobacco smoke which we do know to be extremely dangerous as well as expensive, the electronic cigarette presents itself as the most sensible solution to kicking the health risks associated with a smoking tobacco habit.

Before purchasing your electronic cigarette do a little research. Buy a good quality brand and don't be lured in by cheap prices. You really do get what you pay for. Some manufacturers even offer free trial kits when you pay the shipping and handling. If you want more information go to the e-cigarette smoker's forums. There are several and the users are more than happy to share their experiences and answer your questions.

Healthwise the only thing you're inhaling is a water/nicotine solution vaporized into a mist. It looks and feels like smoking except that nothing is burning to release the unhealthy tar and carcinogens of a traditional cigarette. There are no dangerous chemical additives long associated with the manufacturing of cigarettes. Your lungs will begin to cleanse themselves of tar. Many e-cigarette users report being able to breathe more deeply after only two weeks of usage.

The cost of tobacco cigarettes is constantly increasing ranging in price from 4 to 8 dollars a pack. While the initial cost to purchase an electronic cigarette kit can range anywhere from 40 to 150 dollars, depending on the brand you choose, the breakdown on cost of a pack is between 2 and 3 dollars. Over a relatively short period of time this can amount to a tremendous savings.

Since the electronic cigarette emits only a quickly dissipating vapor there is no lingering odor, no drifting cloud of smoke to irritate your or your companions' eyes, nose or throat. There is no lasting stench that attaches itself to clothes, hair, curtains, furniture, etc. illiciting complaints from friends and loved ones.

Electronic cigarettes, technically speaking, can be 'smoked' anywhere. The process is actually referred to by many users as 'vaping' since vapor is all it produces and an odorless one at that. To date there is no law on the books banning it in bars, restaurants or malls in the U.S. Since electronic cigarettes are still a relatively new concept you'll most certainly get the odd look, disapproving nod or gasp when you start to 'light up' in a public area so it's probably a good idea to consult with management prior to indulging.

Knowing that you're protecting your family and friends from the harmful effects of second hand smoke by switching to the smokeless electronic cigarette will put your mind at ease whether you're at home, work or out on the town. You'll also set a good example for other smokers who may have tried but are still not able to give up the tobacco habit. While e-cigarettes are not as yet marketed as a smoking cessation tool there is no doubt that used responsibility a former tobacco smoker will notice a change in their overall health. No more morning coughs, the ability to take deep breaths, your sense of smell will improve and food will taste better. The long term benefits make it more than worth the price and you'll still wind up saving money.

The Washington Times
By:  Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan,
President, American Council on Science and Health

At a time when the government is ostensibly trying to cut health costs, why is it trying to ban something that might help people quit smoking tobacco, perhaps the most devastating health problem in the U.S.?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a press conference late last month to scare Americans about the so-called "e-cigarette" -- claiming it was loaded with harmful "toxins" and "carcinogens." The agency was implicitly saying: Stay away from these newfangled, untested cigarette substitutes -- better to stick with the real ones, the ones that we are more familiar with, the ones that cause over 450,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

In making its distorted, incomplete and misleading statement, FDA was violating its long-cherished tradition of sticking to sound science as the basis for its policies. And in doing so, it is putting the lives and health of millions of Americans at risk.

The truthful part of the FDA statement was that e-cigarettes have not been through formal efficacy and safety tests at the FDA, and they have only been around a few years. But in the press conference, here is what the FDA did not tell you but should have:

• Traditional cigarettes are lethal not because of the trace level presence of specific "carcinogens" and "toxins," but because by using them, smokers inhale enormous amounts of smoke -- otherwise known as "products of combustion." It is the inhaled smoke that kills in so many ways -- from cancers, cardiovascular and lung disease, and more.

• The cigarette was a relatively obscure product in our society until the invention of a cigarette rolling machine, and sales rose quickly prior to World War I. Before that, tobacco was used relatively safely -- in chew, pipes, cigars -- because little if any smoke was inhaled. But cigarettes changed all of that.

• The e-cigarette -- a smokeless cigarette-mimicking device made up of a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge -- allows smokers to inhale, getting a dose of the nicotine they crave, and then sending steam out the other end (with little or no odor) to mimic the ritual and feel of smoking normal cigarettes.

• The FDA complained that the e-cigarette was a "nicotine-delivery system." Well, it got that much right. But again, it's the smoke that kills, not the nicotine. Yes, nicotine is highly addictive, and it is what keeps the smoker hooked. But getting the nicotine without the smoke is an enormous health advantage for cigarette smokers (the nicotine inserts come in various strengths and the users can adjust them downward as they wish).

• The FDA has approved other nicotine-delivery systems in the form of gums and patches -- and they have been abysmal failures. The smoking cessation rates using these devices is less than 15 percent after one year, condemning millions of addicted smokers to a lingering death. We desperately need other alternatives. But the FDA has now joined a long list of so-called public-health organizations -- including the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and the American Lung Association -- whose collective motto seems to be "quit or die." Not only do they reject e-cigarettes, but they also condemn other smokeless products like snus, which have a mere fraction of the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes.

• More than 1.5 million smokers are now using the e-cigarette -- a product that offers some, if not all, of the "social amenities" of the real thing -- holding the cigarette, taking a drag, seeing a plume of "smoke." The FDA, lacking data that e-cigarettes pose a health hazard, was so desperate, it called on consumers to phone in adverse side effects of e-cigarettes so they could begin to build a case against them and proceed with their intended ban. They neglected, however, to request smokers who successfully quit using the e-cigarette to also call in.

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States today. Any alternative acceptable to addicted smokers should be taken seriously. Instead of condemning the e-cigarette, the FDA should be sponsoring studies to evaluate its safety and efficacy -- leaving it on the market in the interim.

Dr. Elizabeth Whelan is president of the American Council on Science and Health.