The History of Vaping: The beginning of Electronic Cigarettes

When did vaping start? Where vape has been invented? Who invented vaping? What about the future and its popularity? Learn about the history of vaping and why it has gained popularity so quickly.

NOTE: this article is part of our Beginner’s Guide to vaping, where – in one place – we have gathered for you all the relevant facts and background information you need to learn about the e-liquid industry and succeed in it as a manufacturer or brand owner.

Chapters:

1. Vaping: Basic Information (You are here)
2. E-Liquids And Vaping Devices
3. Raw Materials In The E-Liquid Manufacturing
4. E-Liquid Regulations
5. E-Liquid Market Trends

Vape history: where, when, and how did it all start?

The history of vaping is a relatively new concept in the grand scheme of things, with the first prototype of an electronic cigarette being invented in the early 1960s by Herbert A. Gilbert.

However, there are also traces of a patent having been granted to Joseph Robinson in 1930, where the documents referenced to an electronic cigarette.

Nevertheless, one had to wait until 2003, when a Chinese pharmacist, Hon Lik, laid the foundation for the modern electronic cigarette. He created a vaping device that used ultrasonic technology to vaporize a liquid solution which was later breathed by users and replaced inhaling tobacco smoke. Hon Lik’s invention became the prototype for a what is modern commercially successful electronic cigarette.

The first electronic cigarette in the West

Although Hon Lik’s e cigarette was invented in 2003 it appeared in the West 3 years later. In April 2006 electronic cigarettes were introduced to Europe, and in August of the same year, they appeared in the United States.

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Vape’s Rise in Popularity

In the first decade of the XXI century, the history of vaping saw an increase in popularity as more and more people decided to try a smokeless non tobacco cigarette. Most of them were smokers who began using electronic cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation, which allowed avoiding cigarette smoke.

As the history of vaping progressed, the industry grew, bringing new, innovative electronic nicotine delivery systems and products to use in them, such as e-liquids based on nicotine salts. Let us mention, that nicotine salts are commonly used with modern e cigarette, especially by people we could describe as “heavy smoker”.

More than one vaping device

There is more than one version of a modern electronic cigarette. One may choose from multiple vaping devices: pods, mods, disposables, vape cartridges, and more, and the vaping technology doesn’t stop improving.

All of these electronic cigarettes allow the intake of liquid nicotine, which is a replacement for combustible tobacco cigarettes. What’s essential here is that during the combustion, when tobacco smoke is released and inhaled, one absorbs around 250 substances officially recognized as harmful. Around 70 of them are carcinogens that may contribute to developing lung cancer.

The Controversy Surrounding Vaping and e-cigarettes

In recent years, the history of vaping saw bad publicity rising around it. It was caused by the rise of teenagers and young adults reaching for vaping devices.

In the meantime, to prevent it and grant safety to the e-liquid manufacturers, various legislation was introduced, for example, the EU Tobacco Products Directive that included age restrictions or advertising bans.

See also:

• Vape and E-Liquid Regulations [Knowledge Base]
• E-Liquid Regulations In The World
• Tobacco Product Directive (TPD): All You Need To Know
• Industry Regulations: REACH And CLP
• Fees, Taxes And More: An Analysis Of Selected Regulations In Europe

Vaping and nicotine replacement therapy

Keep in mind, that as controversial as vaping may be, it is still less harmful than cigarette smoking. Vaping devices and electronic cigarettes serve the Tobacco Harm Reduction concept, help with quitting smoking, and the British authorities claim, that vaping may even be 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco products.

The history of vaping shows, that along with the rise of vaping, some other smoking cessation aid was invented or improved, such as nicotine sprays, nicotine toothpicks, or nicotine pouches (and more). All this is to help with nicotine addiction.

Check more:

• Nicotine Pouches Popularity: Key Statistics
• Nicotine Pouches: Raw Materials & Ingredients
• 3 Myths About E-Cigarettes
• Menthol E-Liquids: What You Have To Know?
• Harmful Substances In E-Liquid Flavorings
• Long Term Effects Of Vaping [Research]
• Popcorn Lungs: What You Need To Know
• What About Vaping Sucralose?

Vaping Impact on the Tobacco Industry

Furthermore, the history of vaping has had a significant impact on tobacco companies and the whole tobacco industry. One could notice a decrease in traditional cigarette sales, due to more consumers choosing vaping.

The Future of Vape

The future of vaping is hard to describe, as more and more authorities introduce restrictions related to vaping products. Recently, some countries introduced or announced bans on the use of e-liquids with certain flavours.

Authorities justify these decisions with health risks related to nicotine products, however, the restrictions harm those, who use vaping technology to stop smoking, or simply use smoke-free alternatives.

Great that you made it all the way here! Now be sure to take a look at the next part of our knowledge base: E-Liquids And Vaping Devices – Everything You Need To Know