The modern day electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette for short, was developed by a Chinese pharmacist, Hon Lik, in 2003. It was preceded by a device created by Herbert A. Grant in 1963, but due to the lack of technology and the fact that tobacco was not yet generally viewed as being harmful, Grant’s device never reached the production stage.
A study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health in 2010 came to the conclusion that e-cigarettes were safer than real cigarettes and may be helpful in breaking the habit of smoking. Researchers also said that “few, if any, chemicals at levels detected in electronic cigarettes raise serious health concerns.”
E-cigarettes were found to be much safer than traditional tobacco cigarettes and possessed a toxicity level similar to existing nicotine replacements. This study also found that the level of carcinogens in e-cigarettes was up to 1,000 times lower than regular cigarettes.
As an e-cigarette user, I can personally say that the device has completely taken regular cigarettes out of my daily regimen. I like the fact that if I just want a couple drags I can do that without lighting it, ashing it, and then putting it out.
The battery on the e-cigarette is always on stand-by when not in use. The cartridges come in various flavors and personally taste similar to the flavored tobacco you would smoke from a hookah.
You can find a starter kit at most tobacco stores, or many sites online, with prices ranging anywhere from $20 to $80, depending on the contents. Many kits come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
But ultimately the choice is up to you. Whether you want to use this device as a means of substituting for regular cigarettes or aiding in breaking the addiction, the e-cigarette is a viable solution.