kamran sharief A few decades ago, nobody had heard of e-cigarettes or vaporizers. But now they’re everywhere. Vapes are all about a modern take on smoking, but how was it developed, and why are so many vaping instead of ‘traditional’ smoking now?
To get to grips with the ins and outs of vaping, you need to get to know a bit about traditional smoking first. To most of us, smoking seems to have been around forever. And it kind of has. Traditional smoking began thousands of years ago when indigenous tribes used tobacco in religious. ceremonies and to create medicines. When explorers and settlers from Europe arrived in the Americas, they discovered how people were using tobacco, and brought it back to the ‘Old World’.
Smoking quickly became popular in Europe and Asia. Even by the 1600s, it was a common social activity. This was a time when people would get together in so-called smoking rooms and coffeehouses to smoke tobacco – usually through pipes. And then, the cigarette (more or less as we know if today) was invented. The first commercial cigarettes were sold in shops from around the 1850s. These were small, portable rolls of tobacco. People jumped on the trend because it was a convenient and speedy way to smoke.
We’re all kind of familiar with the fact that cigarette smoking became even more widespread. It was glamorized by Hollywood movies, actors and actresses who people couldn’t get enough of, and advertising campaigns. But later in the 20th century, the health risks associated with smoking – such as lung cancer and heart disease – were scientifically proven and widely publicized.
The problem was that nicotine – which is found in tobacco – is addictive. So even when people found out about the dangers of smoking, they couldn’t stop. And because people carried on smoking, others continued to take up smoking too – despite the dangers.
And that’s where vaping entered the scene…
Who Invented Vaping?
The honor goes to a Chinese pharmacist called Hon Lik. In the early 2000s, Hon Lik created the modern e-cigarette. His reasons were actually very personal. He wanted to quit his heavy smoking habit, and his father had recently died from lung cancer caused by smoking. This all bolstered his determination to find a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.
The concept Hon Lik developed was relatively simple, yet completely revolutionary. Vaping involves heating a liquid to create an inhalable vapor, unlike traditional smoking, which burns tobacco to produce smoke. The liquid, which a lot of people call e-liquid or vape juice, usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and a base of propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin.
The development process wasn’t straightforward. Hon Lik experimented with different designs, heating elements, and delivery mechanisms until he arrived at a working prototype. This prototype featured a tiny battery and a piezoelectric element, which allowed the liquid to be vaporized efficiently. Think of it as a high-tech way to satisfy nicotine cravings without the harmful by-products of combustion.
Hon Lik patented his invention in 2003, and by 2004, e-cigarettes hit the Chinese market. It didn’t take long for the idea to spread across the globe. As people looked for healthier alternatives to smoking, vaping gained momentum and quickly became a mainstream phenomenon. There are now dedicated vape shops on many shopping streets and malls across the world, where you can buy all the kit you need. Vapes, ok vape refills, vape wallets and loads of other related goods can be bought from these stores.
Different Types of Vapes and Refills to Consider
There are loads of types of vapes and refills out there. One of the most popular types is the cigalike, which mimics the look and feel of a traditional cigarette. You’ll find these are appealing to those transitioning from smoking because of their familiar shape and ease of use. They usually come with pre-filled cartridges, making them a hassle-free option.
Vape pens are another option. These are slightly larger than cigalikes and offer more battery life and vapor production. They often have refillable tanks, allowing you to choose from a variety of e-liquids. Vape pens strike a nice balance between portability and performance, making them a favorite for casual users.
If you’re seeking a more powerful experience, box mods are the way to go. These larger devices come with advanced features like variable wattage, temperature control, and even custom firmware options. Box mods are paired with refillable tanks or RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers), providing a more customized and robust vaping experience. While they require a bit more know-how, the payoff in terms of customization and vapor production is well worth it.
Then there are pod systems, which have become incredibly popular in recent years. Compact and easy to use, they utilize pod-style refills that simply snap into place. Many find pod systems convenient for on-the-go vaping, and they often offer a satisfying draw that’s similar to smoking a cigarette. The pods come pre-filled or can be refilled with your preferred e-liquid, giving you flexibility.
Speaking of refills, the type of e-liquid you choose can vastly impact your vaping experience as well. E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, flavors, and PG/VG ratios. If you’re looking to replicate the throat hit of a cigarette, a higher PG (propylene glycol) content is ideal. For those who prefer a smoother, more flavorful vape with bigger clouds, a higher VG (vegetable glycerin) content is the way to go.
Nicotine levels typically range from 0mg/ml for those who prefer nicotine-free vaping, to upwards of 50mg/ml for a more intense experience. In comparison to traditional cigarettes, which often deliver around 1.1 to 1.8mg of nicotine per cigarette, vaping allows for greater control over nicotine intake. This can help you gradually reduce your nicotine dependency if that’s what you’re trying to do. Additionally, the ability to select different nicotine strengths means that vapers can tailor their experience to closely mimic or diverge from the nicotine hit provided by traditional cigarettes, offering a customizable pathway for those looking to transition from smoking.
Overall, vaping provides a versatile and potentially safer alternative to traditional smoking. With various devices and customizable options, it enables users to tailor their experience and manage nicotine intake effectively.