The Science Behind Vaping Devices

Posted on 13 February 2024 | Updated on 18 February 2024 |

Busting Myths and Misconceptions: The Science Behind Vaping Devices

Vaping devices seem to be everywhere these days. The global e-cigarette market is estimated to be around USD 18.32 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 46.98 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of approximately 12.49%. It’s evident that vapes are here to stay, and their use is only going to increase in the future.

However, despite their growing popularity and prevalence, many people still have a somewhat limited understanding of how these devices function and what their use implies. This has given rise to all sorts of myths and misconceptions surrounding vaping that continue to be spread around and confuse consumers. So, in the spirit of knowledge and awareness and the importance of embracing a forward-thinking approach which vaping technology reflects so well, we think it’s time to focus on the facts and clear the smoke or, better said, the vapors and shed some light on this polarising topic.

woman with red lips smoking vape

What are vaping devices?

Vaping devices have come to be known under a variety of names, such as vapes, vape pens, dab pens, e-cigarettes, tanks, mods, pod mods, and so on. All these terms have emerged as a way to keep track of the evolution of e-cigarettes and differentiate between the various types of devices and technologies that have been developed over the years, separating them into distinct generations and categories.

But regardless of the name one chooses to use and the different versions and features they designate, vaping devices can be described as battery-operated devices that are utilized to deliver nicotine, cannabis, flavorings, chemicals, and other substances in the form of an aerosol. Since this aerosol resembles water vapors, these gadgets are commonly referred to as vapes, and using them is known as vaping. While most people use e-cigarettes to vape nicotine, inhaling substances like THC, CBD, or nicotine-free liquids is also a widespread practice.

Vaping devices come in all sort of shapes and sizes. Some look like standard tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars, while others look like USB drives, pens, and other everyday items. They also have different battery capacities and characteristics to suit user preferences and needs. So, to make an informed decision and choose the suitable vaping device, one has to understand basic chemistry principles and learn how these products work.

How do vapes work?

Vape pens consist of four main components:

A power source – vape pens are powered by lithium-ion batteries that provide the current to heat the atomizer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds.
Sensors – while some vapes can be turned on through inhalation, others have buttons, but all have activation sensors.
An atomizer – this element contains the wick and coil, which heat up when in use.
A cartridge – the part holding the substance that will be inhaled.

This is the basic anatomy of an e-cigarette or vape pen. Still, the technology has advanced considerably, and producers have developed new designs and features, so specific devices deviate from this standard structure.

It’s also important to note that vape pens can be separated into two main categories based on their lifespan: disposable and refillable. Disposable vapes are pre-filled with e-liquid and an in-built battery and are destined for one-time use, meaning they will be discarded once the liquid or battery runs out. However, large disposable vapes like Elfworld Vape PE10000 Refillable vapes have a rechargeable battery and can be refilled with e-liquid to be used repeatedly.

Let’s combine all these components and see how vape pens work. When the device is turned on by inhaling or pressing the button, the battery sends electricity to the coil housed inside the atomizer, heating it to very high temperatures. The heat from the coil also warms the wick and causes the e-liquid it holds to evaporate, thus producing the aerosols that users inhale gradually.

The principle behind vape pens is pretty simple, as it’s all based on using heat to turn the substance inside the device into vapors. Other factors to consider include the thickness of the substances one uses and determining the temperature level needed to vaporize them properly.

Facts vs. fiction

With the increased usage of vape pens, all sorts of myths and legends started to spread about them, making it difficult for consumers to separate truth from fiction. The most common misconception regarding vaping is that it is just as harmful as smoking. Although the use of vape pens is not entirely risk-free, the adverse effects they produce are by no means comparable to that of smoking tobacco. Cigarettes contain approximately 600 different ingredients that release over 7000 chemicals when burned, many of which are toxic, so the health hazards are incredibly high with smoking.

Another common misconception is that these products are largely unregulated, and many are illegal. This couldn’t be further from the truth since all vapes are subject to government regulations in all countries, and both producers and suppliers need to obtain the necessary permits from the appointed regulatory bodies to be commercialized.

Then there’s the false idea that vaping instead of smoking is like swapping one addiction for another. Since vapes deliver nicotine through heating rather than burning, the exposure to harmful substances is much lower. With e-cigarettes, it’s also possible to control and reduce nicotine intake gradually, which can help one quit smoking altogether.

Wrapping up As the popularity of vaping continues to increase worldwide, it becomes increasingly important for consumers to gain a deeper understanding of these devices. Hence, whether you’re considering vaping because you want to quit smoking or simply because you like to try something new, make sure to check the facts and stay up to date with the science behind it all.