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An electronic cigarette is a device that is designed to mimic the smoking of a real cigarette. The end of the device glows, just as a regular cigarette would, when the device is puffed on. With each puff, water vapor is drawn through a filter, which may contain nicotine liquid or may simply contain flavorings that resemble those of a real cigarette. The vapor can then be exhaled through the mouth and nose just like “real” cigarette smoke.
The FDA has currently banned the import of electronic cigarette devices; however, they are still available as some retailers had not sold out before the ban took effect. Therefore, it may still be possible to obtain an electronic cigarette device, complete with replacement filters.
Some electronic cigarette (this product is also referred to as an e-cigarette or even an e-cig) users say that the fact that they are imitating the gestures and movements they make when smoking a regular cigarette helps them to curb their craving for a “real” cigarette, and that they are well on the way to quitting smoking regular tobacco products altogether (if they haven’t done so already). Some say this is true even of the devices which contain nicotine liquid.
Others say that smoking an e-cigarette, even if it does contain nicotine liquid, is safer than smoking a regular cigarette because there no tobacco or paper is being burned. The glow comes from a small light source inside the device itself.
Others say that they may only use the device when they are somewhere that does not allow regular smoking. Again, they say it helps calm cravings until such time as they can smoke a regular cigarette, especially if it contains nicotine liquid, as a small amount will be absorbed into the body along with the water vapor.
