Ask a smoker who has tried to give up so many times that they have given up giving up, and they’ll tell you that the reason is that there are so many methods suggested to help smokers quit that just aren’t effective. Most of us know a smoker who has tried patches, gum and even putting the money they’d spend on smokes in a jar – and still can’t give up. So why is a newer method gaining traction?

Our tech correspondent explains more: “The e-cigarette, an electronic dummy cigarette, allows a smoker to ape the experience of smoking to a great degree. Many smokers find themselves at a loss for something to do with their hands, missing the inhalation and the taste of smoking. The e-cigarette actually allows you to avoid the most harmful aspects of smoking while not having to stop the part you enjoy.”

Combustion is the key to most of the dangers of smoking and all of the worst aspects. The chemicals released by burning tobacco add up to a list that would terrify even the hardened tobacco addict. E-cigarette smokers inhale only a vapor released by heating a solution – which can be flavored – that contains nicotine. This greatly diminishes cravings, and allows the smoker to “smoke” more safely.

Our correspondent concludes: “It should be stressed that e-cigarettes are not preferable to not smoking at all. They do still contain nicotine, which is physically and psychologically addictive. However, they do not contain the laundry list of terrifying chemicals and carcinogens that are transmitted by burning tobacco, so they are preferable to standard cigarettes.”