Disposable e-cigarette development

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette, vape, vape pen, etc.[notes) is an electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping". The atomizer is a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution called e-liquid. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most versions are reusable.

E-cigarettes create an aerosol, often called vapor, made of particulate matter. The vapor typically contains propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavors, and traces of nitrosamines, other toxicants, carcinogens, heavy metals, and metal nanoparticles. Its exact composition varies, and depends on several things including user behavior.

The health effects of vaping are not clear but vaping is likely less harmful than smoking tobacco. E-cigarette vapor contains fewer toxins, in lower amounts, than cigarette smoke.