Electronic Cigarette Terminology: Where Does One Generation End and the Next Begin?

Introduction:
This text discusses the challenges faced by the electronic cigarette (ECIG) research community in advancing science and developing regulations due to the rapidly changing ECIG market and inconsistent terminology used by researchers, health organizations, ECIG users, and manufacturers/distributors. The authors focus on the use of "generations" to categorize ECIG device types based on various characteristics and the confusion surrounding the transition from one generation to the next.

Key Points:

* ECIGs were introduced in the US marketplace in 2006, with over 460 brands available by the end of 2014.
* Researchers have attempted to categorize ECIG devices based on shared features and generations, but inconsistent terminology and rapid market changes create obstacles.
* First generation devices, also known as cigalikes, are small, resembling cigarettes, with cartridges that are not refillable and low, fixed-power batteries.
* Second generation devices are larger, with rechargeable batteries and refillable tanks.
* Third generation devices, or mods, are similar to second generation devices but with modifiable features.
* The introduction of JUUL in 2015 challenged this categorization system with its unique combination of features.
* Recent devices may not fit neatly into the existing generational categories due to the evolving nature of ECIG technology.
* Researchers should provide more detail when describing ECIG products, including refillable versus prefilled storage containers, rechargeable versus disposable batteries, fixed versus variable voltage, and salt versus freebase nicotine.

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the importance of clear and consistent terminology in ECIG research to facilitate cross-study comparisons, understand device capabilities, survey specific device types to identify trends, and communicate with public health offices and consumers. The reference to "generations" is likely insufficient for capturing the complexity of products available today, and researchers should err on the side of providing more detail when describing ECIG products. The authors' recommendation to prioritize detailed and accurate descriptions over general categorizations highlights the significance of clear communication in regulatory science.

Ozga JE, Felicione NJ, Douglas a, Childers M, Blank MD. Electronic Cigarette Terminology: Where Does One Generation End and the Next Begin? Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2022;24(3):421-424. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntab164