When were e-cigarettes invented?
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, may seem like a futuristic idea, but the concept of a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes has actually been around since the 1920s! (1) However, the modern e-cigarette that launched the technology we see today was invented in 2003 by a Chinese inventor.
Who invented the e-cigarette? Why?
While the earliest e-cigarettes were nowhere near as easy to use as today’s e-cigarette refills , they were a wonder when they were first introduced. An American named Joseph Robinson invented the first e-cigarette, which was officially launched in 1930. Unfortunately, Joseph’s invention was never marketed and was only used for medical purposes, and soon disappeared. By 1963, another American, Herbert A. Gilbert, had introduced an e-cigarette that was more similar to today’s models (2).
This new version did not use tobacco, but was patented as a "smokeless non-tobacco cigarette" and used flavored air that was converted into vapor. Sadly, Herbert Gilbert's model did not catch on, the world still loved their cigarettes, and the adverse health effects and hazards of smoking were not yet fully understood. Another fatal aspect of the design was that Gilbert's version did not contain nicotine, and without nicotine, most smokers would not even consider it.
Modern e-cigarette technology was invented in 2003 by Chinese inventor and pharmacist Han Li(3). Having lost his father to smoking and smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, Han was determined to find a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes. He wanted to create an e-cigarette that would deliver the all-important nicotine and be smoked like a cigarette, but without causing the same number of deaths.
His first attempt wasn’t what we think of as an e-cigarette. Instead of heating e-liquid and creating vapor as we do today, Leek’s initial design used piezoelectric ultrasonic elements (4), the same technology used in dehumidifiers. Technically, this approach worked, but it was too bulky to be practical.
However, Li Ke kept at it, and by 2003, he had created what we think of as the e-cigarette.
What types of e-cigarettes are there?
There are several main types of e-cigarettes in the e-cigarette industry , each designed to suit different user preferences and experience levels. A vape e-cigarette is a small, concealed device that resembles a traditional cigarette and is often used by beginners due to its simplicity of use. A pod system is a compact, user-friendly device that comes with a pre-filled or refillable pod and is popular for its ease of use and compatibility with nicotine salt e-liquids. A pen e-cigarette is a step up from a vape e-cigarette with a slim pen-like design that comes with a larger tank and more power. A cartridge e-cigarette or e-cigarette mod is an advanced device with customizable settings, such as adjustable wattage and temperature control, and is more favored by experienced vapers who are looking for more vapor production and control. Finally, a disposable e-cigarette is a single-use device that comes pre-filled with e-liquid and is very convenient for a hassle-free experience with no maintenance or refilling required.
What ingredients do e-cigarettes contain?
Electronic vaporizers typically contain several key ingredients that make up the e-liquid, or e-cigarette liquid , used in the device . The main ingredients are propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which form the base of the liquid. Propylene glycol is a thinner liquid that provides a stronger throat hit, while vegetable glycerin is thicker and produces larger clouds of vapor. Nicotine is another common ingredient, although there are nicotine-free options for those who prefer nicotine. The fourth major ingredient is flavorings, which are food-grade additives used to create a wide variety of e-cigarette flavors, from fruity to dessert to tobacco. Some e-liquids may also contain additives or sweeteners, but the core ingredients—PG, VG, nicotine, and flavorings—are what define most e-cigarette liquids.
The whole point of e-liquid is that it is not tobacco, so the process of smoking e-liquid avoids the harmful chemicals produced when smoking regular cigarettes, such as carbon monoxide and tar. Eliminating the combustion process is a big reason why Public Health England evidence reviews continue to find that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, in addition to eliminating many other harmful ingredients found in tobacco that have long-term adverse health effects. While some users may experience the side effects of vaping, such as nicotine sickness and dry mouth, the positive effects of switching to e-cigarette products will soon become apparent, from increasing your bank balance to reducing the many risks that come with smoking!
Early electronic cigarettes
It wasn’t until 2007 that e-cigarettes made their way to Europe and the United States. Soon after their introduction, e-cigarettes skyrocketed in popularity, and it’s easy to see why! E-cigarettes were a less harmful alternative to cigarettes that smokers could use to satisfy their nicotine cravings. While the design of e-cigarettes has changed, the concept these three inventors were trying to create has not. Now, we have e-cigarettes in a variety of flavors and strengths , and millions of people can finally quit smoking!
When were disposable e-cigarettes invented?
Over the years, technology has evolved and e-cigarette manufacturers have introduced disposable e-cigarettes, which are pre-filled, single-use devices that have gained popularity due to their ease of use and low maintenance. In the late 2010s, disposable e-cigarettes gained a lot of attention, especially among new e-cigarette users, because they do not require refilling, charging, or coil replacement, and provide a hassle-free vaping experience with minimal setup.
In the UK, disposable e-cigarettes are about to become history. Due to concerns about how many underage teenagers are exposed to these disposable devices, the marketing of e-cigarettes to teenagers, and the impact of nicotine exposure on the adolescent brain, coupled with the large amount of reusable lithium and other waste generated by disposable e-cigarettes, the British government announced that a ban on disposable e-cigarettes will take effect in 2025.
Are e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products the same thing?
E-cigarette devices and heated tobacco products are not the same, even though they are both alternatives to traditional smoking. E-cigarettes (or vapes) use a liquid called e-liquid, which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The device heats the liquid to create a vapor that can be inhaled. In contrast, heated tobacco products (HTPs) like IQOS heat real tobacco without burning it. Instead of vaporizing the liquid, they heat the leaves to a lower temperature than traditional cigarettes, releasing a tobacco-flavored aerosol. While both devices are designed to reduce health risks compared to combustible tobacco products, they function differently and cater to different preferences - e-cigarettes for people who like flavored vapor, and HTPs for those who want a more realistic tobacco experience.
It is worth noting that because heated tobacco products still use dry tobacco, even if the formation of tar and carbon monoxide is avoided, many harmful ingredients are still present, which means that many of the adverse effects and risks of smoking are present in heated tobacco products, making the use of e-cigarettes potentially the safer of the two.
Do e-cigarettes expire?
Yes, e-cigarettes, and specifically the e-liquid inside them, can expire. Most e-liquids have a shelf life of about one to two years, depending on ingredients and storage conditions. Over time, the propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) bases can degrade, causing changes in the flavor, consistency, and effectiveness of the e-liquid. Nicotine may also break down, reducing its potency, while flavorings may lose their concentration or taste worse. Expired e-liquid may become darker in color, have a different odor, or taste unpleasant. For best results, e-liquids should be stored sealed in a cool, dark place. While vaping expired e-liquid is not necessarily harmful, it can lead to a poor vaping experience.
Do e-cigarettes contain harmful ingredients?
It is important to note that regulations on e-cigarettes in the UK and EU have worked as intended to protect consumers. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in the US, where regulation is weak and overly restrictive, with pungent flavoured e-cigarettes banned and only tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (5). This is largely due to poor marketing practices by some e-cigarette companies, which have been found to be targeting school children and encouraging sales to minors.
We have learned that flavorings should not be added to e-liquids, such as diacetyl, which is known to cause a disease called “bronchiolitis obliterans” or more commonly “popcorn lung.” In well-regulated markets, such as the UK, ingredients known to be harmful have been banned from e-cigarettes.
There are certainly other lessons along the way, such as people adding illegal substances to e-liquids that lead to EVALI (E-cigarette and vaping-associated lung injury) . When headlines mention people injured by vaping, this is usually what they are referring to, yet all EVALI cases have vitamin E acetate in their lung samples. E-cigarette users and black market vendors use vitamin E acetate to add THC - so avoid adding extra substances to your e-liquid, and buy from reputable sources.
What Are Vape Pods?
An e-cigarette cartridge is a compact and user-friendly electronic cigarette device that uses a small, pre-filled or refillable cartridge (called a pod) to hold the e-liquid. Unlike traditional e-cigarette tanks, pods are designed to be easy to use and usually snap or click into the battery portion of the device. E-cigarette cartridges are popular for their portability and simplicity, making them ideal for beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free experience. They typically use nicotine salt e-liquids, which provide a smoother throat hit even with higher nicotine content. There are two main types: closed cartridge systems , which are pre-filled and come with disposable cartridges, and open cartridge systems, which allow users to refill the cartridge with their favorite e-liquid.