How Tech Has Evolved to Help Smokers over the Past Decade
Smokers used to have limited options when it came to feeding their nicotine addictions. In the last decade, e-cigarettes have been introduced. These tech devices use e-liquid (nicotine infused oil) with a coil heater to produce vapor rather than toxic smoke. The liquids remove many of the toxins associated with smoking.
The larger devices, such as those that are larger than a traditional cigarette, were designed to be stored outside of your pocket, which prevents the coils from being overheated and catching fire.
Traditional Tobacco Options
Prior to a decade ago, smokers had only traditional, toxin-laden products to choose from if they chose to smoke. Traditionally, there have been filtered and unfiltered cigarettes, chewable tobacco, and cigars. However, these bad habits came with several health risks, including increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
With the development of the e-cigarette, technology is helping handle bad habits. Initially, e-cigarettes were thought to be a way to help millions of people quit smoking, and it has worked. Other members of society did not want to quit smoking, but wanted a healthier way to do it, which came about when e-cigarettes were introduced. To quit, you can purchase lower nicotine level liquids and eventually, trickle down to no-nicotine options.
Impact of E-Cigarettes on Society
Almost immediately upon the introduction of e-cigarettes, controversy arose. The safety and health risks associated with using the vaporizers instantly sparked conversations in the media and in the medical industry. Many healthcare providers question the safety of inhaling vapor over a long period.
Variety of Products
As technology has evolved, to make smaller components for handheld use, electronic cigarettes have become technologically advanced. This has also increased the number of products available from just disposable options to everyday use options, some with USB charging options. Liquids were limited at first, mostly to regular or menthol flavors.
Users of e-cigarettes can choose their own stem design to reflect their design style and personal preferences. Even the shapes of e-cigarette devices have evolved, from once slim options too bulky, higher-tech options.
The amount of nicotine in each e-liquid also varies. Users can select no nicotine or amounts up to 24-mg in a single disposable cartridge. The ability to select your level of nicotine suggests that e-cigarettes are helping smokers quit.
Improved Technology of E-cigarettes
E-cigarette users can purchase devices that allow them to control the temperature of the coils in the device used to heat the oil that becomes vapor. At the same time, users can also select liquids with specific amounts of nicotine in them. These devices require the use of batteries, which in most cases is a lithium ion option, and charging to operate. Some battery packs can be charged using wireless charging hubs, USB connections, or traditional wall-outlets.
Odd Health Facts about E-cigarettes
There are some weird health effects of e-cigarettes that aren't commonly discussed, such as cough suppression. Research was conducted to validate these claims. It is noted that e-cigarette users are less sensitive to the capsaicin found in peppers. This is how the correlation between e-cigarette use and reduced coughing came to be.
The settings for heat on your e-cigarette device can release more chemicals like acrolein and formaldehyde. Research was conducted to show that higher heat settings in the coil mechanisms cause more chemicals to be released.
Special Features of E-cigarettes
E-cigarette devices have become so advanced that you can purchase options that allow you to customize the heat setting and strength of the pull on the device to release a specific amount of oil to vaporize. Devices are also so advanced that users can set them to turn off or on at a specific time to save battery or make sure the coils are in stand-by mode for heating while on breaks at work or waking in the morning. Devices are also able to show you their battery life or send warnings when battery power is low.
Closing Thoughts
Most of the first e-cigarettes were disposable options. Science and technology combined to create reusable options where users can increase the strength of the device, control temperatures, and control the amount of liquid that is heated in the atomizers of the devices. For some, the option of e-cigarettes has helped cessation or has provided a healthier alternative to smoking.
How do you view e-cigarettes?
