E-Cigarette vs. Cigarette: Key Differences

This article compares e-cigarettes and cigarettes, highlighting the key differences between the two.

Cigarette

• Cigarettes are commonly used for smoking.
• They are disposable items where tobacco burns to produce smoke.
• Cigarettes contain nicotine and produce tar or ash.
• They release carbon monoxide during combustion.
• A cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals, with at least 43 known to cause cancer.
• Typically provides about 12 to 15 puffs per cigarette.
• The act of inhaling from a cigarette is referred to as “smoking.”

E-Cigarette

• E-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulate the experience of smoking tobacco.
• They use e-liquids or e-juices that, upon heating, generate a vapor inhaled by users. The inhalation process is known as “vaping”.
• E-cigarettes are considered an alternative method of smoking, potentially less harmful than traditional tobacco smoking.
• There are two main types: disposable and rechargeable.
• E-cigarettes may or may not contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Importantly, they do not produce tar or ash.
• They do not release carbon monoxide.
• E-cigarettes are available in a wide variety of flavors, including tobacco, menthol, coffee, fruits, chocolate, spices, and candy.
• They are manufactured by public and private companies in various countries, including the USA, UK, and China.
• E-cigarettes can provide approximately 500 to 600 puffs.

E-Cigarette Structure

The figure above illustrates the structure of a typical e-cigarette:

• Atomization Chamber: Heats the e-liquid to vaporize it.
• Cartridge: Holds the e-liquids, which contain nicotine and propylene glycol for inhalation.
• LED Indicator: Illuminates when the device is being inhaled.
• Vapor Generation Area: Where the vapor is produced.
• Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery: Provides power and typically lasts for 1-3 days.

The generated vapor is inhaled to mimic the sensation of smoke.

E-Cigarette vs. Cigarette: A Comparison

The following table highlights the key differences between e-cigarettes and cigarettes based on various features: