They work by heating a liquid (called an e-liquid) that typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings.

verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ This is in contrast to passive smoking (secondhand smoke), which is known to be very harmful to health. Can I get an e-cigarette from my GP? Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been widely used for many years to help people stop smoking and is a safe treatment. Are e-cigarettes safe to use in pregnancy? E-cigarettes are not currently available from the NHS on prescription, so you cannot get one from your GP. Using an e-cigarette can help you manage your nicotine cravings. To get the best out of it, make sure you're using it as much as you need to and with the right strength of nicotine in your e-liquid.

It's also important to choose the right strength of nicotine in your e-liquid, which will depend on how much you smoke. You can get advice on models and e-liquids from a specialist vape shop. If you suspect you have experienced a health-related side effect from using your e-cigarette or would like to report a product defect, report these via the Yellow Card Scheme. Is e-cigarette vapour harmful to others? There are different types of e-cigarette, including vape pens, vape bars, pod devices, mods, and cigalikes. They can be rechargeable or disposable. E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke.

They are not recommended for non-smokers and cannot be sold to people under 18 years old. What are e-cigarettes and how do they work? Vaping is not completely risk-free, but it poses a small fraction of the risk of smoking cigarettes. The long-term risks of vaping are not yet clear. While nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes, most of the harm from smoking comes from the thousands of other chemicals in tobacco smoke, many of which are toxic. But if you find using an e-cigarette helpful for quitting and staying smoke-free, it's much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke. Do e-cigarettes pose a fire risk?

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E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke. A 2021 review found people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking, as well as having expert face-to-face support, can be up to twice as likely to succeed as people who used other nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum. Many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette. There's evidence that they can be effective. Getting expert help from your local Stop Smoking Service gives you the best chance of quitting smoking for good. You can buy them from specialist vape shops, some pharmacies and other retailers, or on the internet. More information