Study On The Technical Characteristics And Health Effects Of Electronic Cigarettes And Herbal Atomizers
Analysis Of Core Ingredients
1. Electronic cigarettes (ENDS)
Nicotine dependence system: Nicotine is used as the central nervous system stimulant, supplemented with propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) to build the e-liquid base, and some products add tar derivatives and artificial synthetic flavors.
Chemical residue risk: During the high-temperature atomization process, propylene glycol may be cracked to produce harmful byproducts such as formaldehyde, and long-term use may cause respiratory mucosal damage.
2. Herbal atomizer (HHI)
Natural ingredient matrix: Low-temperature extracts of medicinal and edible plants (such as small sedge, loquat leaves, and licorice) are used to completely eliminate nicotine and tar components.
Active substance retention: The ultrasonic atomization technology (≤240℃) is used to release plant active ingredients such as flavonoids and terpenes to achieve directional respiratory maintenance functions.
Differences In Technology Implementation Paths
| Parameters | E-cigarette | Herbal Atomizer |
| Working Temperature | 300-500℃ (Resistance wire heating) | 220-240℃ (Digital time-sharing temperature control) |
|
Atomized Particle Size |
0.1-1.0μm (Easy to deposit in alveoli) | 0.5-2.5μm (Target respiratory mucosa) |
| Equipment Structure | Miniaturized design, relying on standardized e-liquid tank | Modular liquid storage system, compatible with dry/wet herbal raw materials |
Health Risk Stratification Assessment
1. Short-term effects
a. E-cigarette smoke contains propylene glycol oxidation byproducts, which may cause acute symptoms such as coughing and dizziness, and the smoke can remain for up to 15-30 minutes.
b. Plant aromatic molecules (such as limonene and glycyrrhizic acid) released by herbal atomizers can reduce respiratory irritation, and the smoke dissipation time is shortened to 5-8 minutes.
2. Long-term health effects
a. Nicotine in e-cigarettes can cause a decrease in the sensitivity of dopamine receptors and induce neurological dependence. Chronic exposure to propylene glycol is positively correlated with the incidence of bronchitis.
b. Herbal atomizers need to be wary of the risk of plant extracts causing allergies, but clinical studies have shown that no cytotoxic reactions have been detected (LD50＞5000mg/kg)
Consumer Decision Advice
1. Demand-oriented selection
a. Tobacco replacement demand: give priority to electronic cigarette products that have passed ISO 8317 certification, and strictly monitor nicotine concentration (≤20mg/mL).
b. Health management demand: choose herbal atomization products that have been registered in the Pharmacopoeia, and focus on atomization temperature parameters and active ingredient test reports.
2. Regulatory compliance requirements
Both types of products must comply with the technical requirements of the "General Specifications for Quality and Safety of Atomization Products (2024 Edition)". It is recommended to give priority to purchasing products with medical device registration (CFDA Class II) or natural ingredient certification (ISO 16128).
Conclusion
The essential difference between e-cigarettes and herbal vaporizers is reflected in the binary differentiation between addictive substitutes and functional health tools. Consumers need to establish a scientific selection framework based on the three dimensions of ingredient transparency, technical compliance, and clinical verification data. Regulatory authorities should strengthen the dynamic monitoring of key technical indicators such as atomization temperature and residue limit.