An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device often used to help people stop smoking. It works by heating e-liquid stored in a tank to produce a vapour that the user inhales. E-cigarettes are intended as a lower-harm alternative to traditional cigarettes and are mainly used as a quitting aid.

Most e-cigarettes have three main parts: a rechargeable battery, a tank (sometimes called a clearomiser), and a heating element known as a coil or atomiser.

E-liquids (also known as “oils”, “vape juice”, “juice”, or simply “liquid”) are the fluid used in an e-cigarette. The device heats the e-liquid to create vapour, which the user inhales. Most e-liquids are made from PG (propylene glycol), VG (vegetable glycerine), and food-grade flavourings. They’re available in both nicotine and nicotine-free options.

PG is a thinner liquid that carries flavour well and creates the “throat hit” many people associate with smoking. VG is thicker and typically feels smoother to vape, and it’s also what produces larger clouds of vapour. E-liquids come in a variety of nicotine strengths and PG/VG ratios, with a huge range of flavours to choose from.

The short answer is yes. In the UK, many health organisations support vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking, and Public Health England has reported that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Cigarettes burn tobacco, and that combustion produces large numbers of toxic chemicals and carcinogens. E-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco — they heat e-liquid to create vapour — so they avoid the harmful by-products created by burning. Regulated e-liquids also don’t contain the same harmful substances found in cigarette smoke, apart from nicotine, which is addictive.

Over the past 10 years, there have been many studies on vaping, and the evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are much safer than smoking and can be an effective tool to help people quit.

It’s a common question, but there isn’t one exact answer. How long a vape coil lasts depends on a few main things:

• Your e-liquid: Sweeter flavours can shorten coil life because they tend to leave more residue on the coil. Strong flavours like menthol can seem to last longer, as they may mask a burnt taste for longer.
  
• Power (wattage): If you use a variable wattage device, running at higher wattage will usually wear out the coil faster. Every coil has a recommended wattage range (shown on the box or printed on the coil). Staying within that range helps the coil perform better and last longer.
  
• How often you vape: Frequency makes a big difference. If you only use your device a few times a day, a coil can last quite a while. If you vape heavily, you’ll usually need to replace the coil more often.

Choosing a flavour is very personal, because everyone’s tastes are different. Picking a flavour you genuinely enjoy is important, as it can make it easier to keep using your e-cigarette and reduce cravings for traditional cigarettes.

E-liquids can darken over time, and this is usually nothing to worry about. As long as the liquid is still within its use-by date, it should be safe to use. It’s a bit like tea getting darker as it steeps - once e-liquid has been exposed to air, its colour can deepen too.