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Review
. 2014 May;23 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):ii4-10.
doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051476.

Electronic cigarettes: product characterisation and design considerations

Christopher J Brown  1 , James M Cheng
Affiliations
Free PMC article
Review

Electronic cigarettes: product characterisation and design considerations

Christopher J Brown et al. Tob Control. 2014 May.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Objective: To review the available evidence regarding electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) product characterisation and design features in order to understand their potential impact on individual users and on public health.

Methods: Systematic literature searches in 10 reference databases were conducted through October 2013. A total of 14 articles and documents and 16 patents were included in this analysis.

Results: Numerous disposable and reusable e-cigarette product options exist, representing wide variation in product configuration and component functionality. Common e-cigarette components include an aerosol generator, a flow sensor, a battery and a nicotine-containing solution storage area. e-cigarettes currently include many interchangeable parts, enabling users to modify the character of the delivered aerosol and, therefore, the product's 'effectiveness' as a nicotine delivery product. Materials in e-cigarettes may include metals, rubber and ceramics. Some materials may be aerosolised and have adverse health effects. Several studies have described significant performance variability across and within e-cigarette brands. Patent applications include novel product features designed to influence aerosol properties and e-cigarette efficiency at delivering nicotine.

Conclusions: Although e-cigarettes share a basic design, engineering variations and user modifications result in differences in nicotine delivery and potential product risks. e-cigarette aerosols may include harmful and potentially harmful constituents. Battery explosions and the risks of exposure to the e-liquid (especially for children) are also concerns. Additional research will enhance the current understanding of basic e-cigarette design and operation, aerosol production and processing, and functionality. A standardised e-cigarette testing regime should be developed to allow product comparisons.

Keywords: Electronic nicotine delivery devices; Nicotine; Non-cigarette tobacco products.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Typical e-cigarette configuration. This shows a wick/heater as aerosol generator, gauze saturated with e-liquid, a microprocessor (optional) to control operations and an LED (optional) to imitate a burning coal.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Basic e-cigarette operation. This flowchart outlines basic actions and functions to transform and deliver e-liquid-based aerosol.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diffuser. This diagram shows multiple angled openings that increase aerosol dispersion and buccal cavity contact. The numbers reference descriptive text in the patent.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Communications features. This diagram shows bidirectional data transfer between the consumer, computer, pack, social networks and stakeholders. The numbers reference descriptive text in the patent.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Hon L, inventor; Best Partners Worldwide Limited, assignee. An aerosol electronic cigarette European Patent Specification. EP1736065B1. 2006 Dec 27. http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?FT=D&... (accessed 13 Feb 2013)
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