To Vape Or Not To Vape? E Cigarettes Raise Questions The Newtown Bee An e cigarette is a battery operated device that heats liquid nicotine, flavoring, and other additives to create an aerosol. This JAMA Patient Page describes e cigarettes and the potential health effects of vaping. https: ja.ma 4dbZqrL What Is Vaping? Gear Diary E cigarettes might harm lung tissue much like regular cigarettes do whether they contain nicotine or not a new study says.