E-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are devices that heat a liquid solution (e-liquid or vape juice) to produce an aerosol that users inhale. The e-liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and a carrier liquid (propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin).
How E-Cigarettes Work
- A battery powers a heating coil (atomizer)
- The coil heats the e-liquid, turning it into an aerosol (commonly called "vapor")
- The user inhales through a mouthpiece
- The aerosol delivers nicotine to the lungs, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream
[1][2]
Major Brands
Pod Systems
- JUUL: The most recognizable brand, popularizing the prefilled pod format. JUUL devices are sleek, rectangular, and use pre-filled nicotine pods ("JUULpods"). [3]
- Vuse: R.J. Reynolds' flagship e-cigarette brand, offering rechargeable devices and prefilled pods. [4]
- Blu: Major brand owned by Fontem Ventures, offering disposable and rechargeable options. [4]
- NJOY: One of the earliest e-cigarette brands, recently acquired by Altria. [5]
Disposables
- Puff Bar: Single-use devices that became popular among youth due to low cost and variety of flavors. [6]
- Elf Bar: Another popular disposable brand with extensive flavor options. [6]
- FLUM: Disposable devices with unique design. [6]
Other Systems
- Suorin: Pod system brand known for sleek designs. [4]
- SMOK: Offers both pod systems and larger box mods. [4]
E-Liquid Components
| Component |
Description |
| Nicotine |
The active ingredient, typically 0-59 mg/ml |
| Propylene glycol (PG) |
Carrier liquid that produces throat hit |
| Vegetable glycerin (VG) |
Carrier liquid that produces dense vapor |
| Flavorings |
Food-grade additives for taste |
| Water |
Used as a diluent |
[2]
Regulatory Status
E-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products under the FDA's 2016 Deeming Rule. Manufacturers must obtain Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) authorization to market their products. [7][8]
See Also
- JUUL - Detailed case study of JUUL's legal issues
- Vaping - Tank systems, box mods, heat-not-burn devices
- Nicotine Legal - FDA regulation, Tobacco 21, flavor bans
References
[1] CDC - E-Cigarettes: Basics
[2] FDA - Vaporizers, E-Cigarettes, and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
[3] JUUL Labs - Company Information
[4] Truth Initiative - E-Cigarette Brands
[5] Altria - NJOY Acquisition Announcement
[6] Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids - Disposable E-Cigarettes
[7] FDA - Deeming Rule
[8] FDA - Premarket Tobacco Product Applications