vapes

Vapes, or electronic cigarettes, are devices that heat a liquid to generate an aerosol inhaled by the user. They are designed to simulate the act of smoking and can vary in size and appearance from small cigalike devices to larger box mods.

Construction: A typical device contains a battery, a heating element (coil) or atomizer, and a liquid reservoir. When activated, electricity heats the liquid, creating an aerosol that is inhaled through a mouthpiece. Some devices use refillable tanks, others use replaceable cartridges or pods; power can be adjusted on some models.

Liquids: The liquid, often called e-liquid or vape juice, usually consists of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin as carriers, with nicotine and flavorings. Nicotine content ranges from none to high levels; nicotine salts are used in some products to enable higher nicotine at lower temperatures. Flavors vary widely.

Types of devices: Traditional cigalike devices imitate cigarettes; vape pens are pen-shaped; pod systems use compact pods; and variable-power devices called box mods offer adjustable settings. Some devices are closed systems with prefilled pods; others are open systems with refillable tanks.

Regulation and safety: Regulation varies by country and jurisdiction and covers age limits, product standards, labeling, and advertising. Safety concerns include battery failures causing fires, exposure to nicotine, aerosol byproducts, and inadvertent ingestion by children. Public health authorities emphasize cautious use and avoidance by youth; evidence on long-term health effects remains incomplete.