Demystifying the Terminology: ENDS, Vapes, and More
The term "smokeless cigarettes" can be confusing because it covers a variety of products, from electronic devices that produce an aerosol to tobacco products that don't combust. The most widely used modern products falling under this category are Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), which include e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens, mods, and tank systems. Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco to create smoke, these devices heat a liquid (e-liquid) to create an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. This aerosol is often incorrectly called "vapor," giving rise to the popular term "vaping."
E-cigarettes and Vapes: The Most Common Smokeless Alternatives
E-cigarettes and vapes are essentially the same type of device, with "vape" being the more colloquial term for the act of using an e-cigarette. They consist of a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge or tank that holds the e-liquid. E-liquids typically contain nicotine, flavorings, propylene glycol, and other chemicals. They are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, from small, USB-drive-like devices to larger, more complex systems known as mods. The variety in devices, flavors, and nicotine concentrations makes them particularly appealing to younger users, which is a major public health concern.
Heat-Not-Burn Products: A Different Approach
Another class of smokeless cigarettes is known as heat-not-burn (HNB) products. As the name suggests, these electronic devices heat real tobacco at a high temperature, but not enough to cause combustion. This process releases a nicotine-containing aerosol rather than smoke. This differentiates them from both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which use a liquid. The FDA regulates HNB products as non-combusted cigarettes. While often marketed as a safer alternative, evidence does not support the claim that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and they expose users to a different set of harmful chemicals.
Smokeless Tobacco: The Original "Smokeless"
Before the rise of electronic devices, the term "smokeless" primarily referred to products like chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus. These products involve placing tobacco in the mouth, either chewing it or holding it between the cheek and gum, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the gums. Users often spit out the tobacco juices, which is why these are also known as spitting tobacco. These products contain many cancer-causing chemicals and are linked to oral cancer and other health issues.
Comparing Different Smokeless Tobacco Products
To better understand the differences between these products, consider the following comparison table:
| Feature | E-Cigarettes/Vapes | Heat-Not-Burn Products | Smokeless Tobacco (Chewing/Snuff) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Heats a liquid (e-liquid) to create an aerosol. | Heats real tobacco to produce an aerosol. | Placed in the mouth, not heated or burned. |
| Substance | E-liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, etc. | Real tobacco leaves. | Real tobacco leaves (chewing) or finely ground tobacco (snuff/snus). |
| Byproduct | Aerosol (often called "vapor"). | Aerosol. | Tobacco juices, often spit out. |
| Key Risks | Nicotine addiction, lung injury (EVALI), exposure to heavy metals and VOCs. | Nicotine addiction, exposure to different harmful chemicals, potential lung damage. | Nicotine addiction, oral cancer, gum disease, heart disease, and stroke. |
| Appearance | Varies widely, from USB drives to large mods. | Typically an electronic device with replaceable tobacco sticks. | Loose-leaf, plugs, or pouches. |
Health Risks of Smokeless Alternatives
While traditional cigarettes are known for causing widespread health problems, it is a dangerous misconception that smokeless alternatives are harmless. The health risks associated with these products are still being fully explored, but research has already uncovered significant concerns. All forms contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can negatively affect adolescent brain development. The aerosol from e-cigarettes can contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals like lead and nickel, and flavoring chemicals like diacetyl, which is linked to a serious lung disease known as "popcorn lung". In 2019, an outbreak of lung injuries (EVALI) was linked to vaping products, with some cases involving modified products and illicit substances. Smokeless tobacco carries its own set of dangers, including a heightened risk of oral, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer.
The Role of Marketing and Regulation
The marketing of smokeless cigarettes has often framed them as a safer way to consume nicotine or as a tool for smoking cessation. However, the FDA has not approved any e-cigarette as a safe and effective way to quit smoking. The appeal of flavored e-liquids and discreet device designs has led to a surge in use among teenagers, creating a new generation of nicotine addiction. The CDC reports that e-cigarette use among young people can be a gateway to using traditional tobacco products. Regulations are constantly evolving to address the public health concerns, especially regarding youth access and the unregulated nature of many products on the market.
Conclusion: Understanding the Full Picture
Ultimately, the question, "What are smokeless cigarettes called?" leads to a complex landscape of products with different mechanisms and health profiles. The most common terms are e-cigarettes and vapes for devices using e-liquid, while heat-not-burn and traditional smokeless tobacco products also fall into this category. The best approach for health is to avoid nicotine and tobacco in all forms, as no tobacco product is safe. For those looking to quit smoking, evidence-based methods and medical support are the most effective path forward. Further research into the long-term health effects of newer products like e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn is ongoing.
Visit the CDC for comprehensive resources on tobacco and e-cigarettes.
