Seeing smoke? That might come from nearby smokers – or vapers. Angela Hill writes about the rise of the tobacco-less revolution:
This is the world of vaping – puffing on inhalers sometimes known as electronic cigarettes or vape pens. The devices use small batteries to heat a flavo[u]red liquid until it produces a vapor. The liquid may contain varying levels of a nicotine kick, from zero (flavo[u]r only) up to 24 milligrams, but no tobacco smoke is produced.
Vaping has become so popular that it's now an official “scene,” a subculture with its own lingo: Do you wind your coils in bunny ears or roller coasters? Is variable voltage better, or drip style? How about an RBA (rebuildable atomizer) you can tinker with to adjust the draw, and create more flavo[u]r and bigger clouds?"
The reasons for vaping are part necessity and part fashion. Some people try it as a smoking alternative, efficiently letting them sneak in a drag in places which would otherwise be a no-smoking venue, while others simply seek out trends. As said by Peter Edwards in the article: “It's not just about the vapo[u]r, it's about the style... You want to be GQ cool.” In the UK alone, around 1.2 million people have been reported of usage.
Vaping is a fashionable choice, and choosing the best e-liquid is a conscious effort to stay 'in.' This liquid is a combination of distilled water, nicotine and other flavours that is inhaled using the e-cigarette. Artificial smoke and vapour are produced by either the propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine that it also contains.
Like bags, there are many eliquid variations. For one, VapeTime UK currently stocks eighty flavours. From Arctic Menthol to Sugar and Spice Tobacco, from Summer Peach to Belgian Cocoa – the flavoured-inhalants can be just as enjoyable – perhaps even more – as plain old tobacco in rolled up paper.
Get your liquids only from reputable companies that assure you quality control, inform you of its composition and safety, and secure your money's worth.
(Source: Vaping – a form of tobacco-free smoking – is a breath of sweet air, San Jose Morning News, 27 Oct 2013)