Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, were patented in China in 2003, but there is still a huge debate over how good e-cigarettes are. Safe smoking may seem an oxymoron to most people, but it is important to know why e-cigarettes are being touted as a safe alternative to regular cigarettes.

The biggest point in favor of e-cigarettes is that it does not involve a combustion process. E-cigarette manufacturers are quick to point out that this eliminates the smoke, tar, and about 4,000-odd carcinogens and chemicals that are part of a regular smoke. Detractors argue that the most harmful agent of them all, nicotine, is still part of the e-cigarette experience. Here’s why “just nicotine” may not be such a great idea after all. E-cigarettes eliminate all the other harmful additives that are used in normal cigarettes, but nicotine on its own is a highly addictive substance too. Nicotine is the ingredient responsible for that final surge of dopamine, which gives smokers their high.

In e-cigarettes, liquid nicotine is contained in a plastic filter. A battery warms the nicotine, creating a thin vapor stream when the smoker exhales. The long-term effects of inhaling nicotine mist, as well the impact on non-smokers, is not yet known. E-cigarette owners are also warned to be careful of coming into contact with the liquid nicotine during refills and changes, as nicotine can enter one’s body through the skin. You can, however, control the level of nicotine found in each cartridge, which enables you to lower the amount in each dose.

A good way of putting things into perspective would be to remember that e-cigarettes do not claim to stop one from smoking; they are merely a safer option for those who can’t do without their regular dose of nicotine. Therefore, e-cigarettes are ideal for smokers looking for a healthier cigarette or for those looking to gradually quit smoking.