Island Vapes in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Description:

Various types of e-cigarettes.
An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette[note 1] is a handheld electronic device that creates an aerosol by heating a liquid. The user then inhales the aerosol.[2] Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called vaping.[4] The liquid in the e-cigarette, called e-liquid,[5] is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavorings.[6] Not all e-liquids contain nicotine.[7]
The health risks of e-cigarettes are uncertain.[8][9][10] They are likely safer than tobacco cigarettes,[11][12] but the long-term health effects are not known.[13][14][15][16] E-cigarettes can help some smokers quit.[6][17] When used by non-smokers, e-cigarettes can lead to nicotine addiction and starting smoking.[18][19][20] So far, no serious adverse effects have been reported in trials.[6] Less serious adverse effects include throat and mouth irritation, vomiting, nausea, and coughing.[21]
E-cigarettes create an aerosol, commonly called vapor,[22] generally containing nicotine, flavors, glycerol and propylene glycol.[23] Its exact composition varies.[22] The vapor can contain toxicants and traces of heavy metals at levels permissible in inhalation medicines,[23] and potentially harmful chemicals not found in tobacco smoke at concentrations permissible by workplace safety standards.[24] However, chemical concentrations may exceed the stricter public safety limits.[21]
The modern e-cigarette was invented in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik,[25] and as of 2015 most e-cigarettes are made in China.[26] Since they were first sold in 2004 their global use has risen exponentially.[27] In the US and UK their use is widespread, and a significant proportion of schoolchildren use them.[28][29][30] Reasons for using e-cigarettes involve trying to quit smoking, reduce risk, or save money, though many use them recreationally.[13] A majority of users still smoke tobacco, causing concerns that dual use may "delay or deter quitting".[21] About 60% of UK users are smokers and roughly 40% are ex-smokers, while use among never-smokers is "negligible".[28] Because of overlap with tobacco laws and medical drug policies, e-cigarette legislation is debated in many countries.[31] A European directive in 2016, set limits for liquids and vaporizers, ingredients, and child-proof liquid containers.[32] As of August 2016, the US FDA extended its regulatory power to include e-cigarettes.[33] There are around 500 brands of e-cigarette with global sales in excess of US$7 billion.[34]