The electronic cigarette is an amazing gadget that comprises a battery (which looks like the white part of a cigarette), an atomiser (a little silver component), and a refill cartridge (which looks like the brown filter part of a cigarette).  The e cigarette uses the small lithium battery to atomise the liquid solution contained in the refill cartridge.  This electronic circuit activates the atomiser when the cigarette is inhaled by mouth.  A light at the tip of the product is also lit when inhaling. The batteries are recharged with a small charger that comes with a powerline and plug, or can be charged by car charger or usb charger.

The e cigarette produces a vapour that looks and tastes like smoke but is a much healthier alternative as it does not contain the harmful chemicals that real cigarettes do.  The vapour from the electronic cigarette comes from the propylene glycol ingredient in the refill cartridges (or dry ice as it is better known).  The other ingredients in the refill cartridges are nicotine, water, flavourings and colourings.

Smokers will already be aware that nicotine is addictive, is a toxin and a poison in its purest form. The body's response to nicotine is immediate - causing short-term increases in blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow from the heart. Nicotine also causes the arteries to narrow.  Nicotine is not a proven carcinogen.

Propylene glycol is used in many applications such as:

• A moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, toothpaste, mouth wash and tobacco products
• As a solvent for food colours and flavourings
• As a humuctant food additive, labelled as E number E1520
• As a carrier in fragrance oils
• In smoke machines to make artificial smoke (dry ice)
• In hand sanitizers, antibacterial lotions and saline solutions

The oral toxicity of propylene glycol is very low, and large quantities are required to incur any of the potential health effects listed below:

• Eye - causes mild eye irritation. Contact may cause irritation, tearing and burning pain
• Skin - causes moderate skin irritation. Contact with the skin may cause erytheme, dryness and defatting
• Ingestion - may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Inhalation - low hazard for usual industrial handling. May cause respiratory tract irritation

The potential for long-term toxicity is also low. Because of its low chronic oral toxicity, propylene glycol is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) for use as a direct food additive. Propylene glycol does not cause sensitization and it shows no evidence of being a carcinogen or of being neotoxic.

Any minor side effects should be balanced again the known and varied health issues with smoking traditional cigarettes.