E-cigarettes: The Technology, the Market, and the Practice of Vaping

This chapter introduces the concept of alternative nicotine products and e-cigarettes; a sub-category of non-combustible nicotine products. A historical overview of the development of e-cigarette technology is provided and the development of the international market, including the increasing involvement of the tobacco industry is discussed, with a focus on the regulatory developments in the U.S., Canadian, and British markets. A discussion of the prevalence of e-cigarette use is presented both in absolute terms and in relation to combustible cigarettes, along with a detailed discussion of the different consumer groups in which e-cigarette use is concentrated. The consumer motivations for e-cigarette use are also described, along with a summary of how e-cigarettes are perceived by various key stakeholder groups including regulators, public health agencies, medical professionals, and advocacy groups.