What are E-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes have many names and are sometimes called ‘e-cigs’, ‘vapes’, ‘vape pens’, ‘mods’, or ‘Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems’ (ENDS). They are battery-operated devices that mimic the act of regular smoking by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol, which is inhaled by users through its mouthpiece and exhaled as a visible vapour.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can affect brain development in youth. There are also many cancer-causing substances such as formaldehyde, benzene (produced when heated), and heavy metals such as lead.