Talaki34
There is isn’t any smoke because there isn’t any plant material being burned so there isn’t anything to really be smelled. The by product is vapor.
However, there does remain some debate as to whether they are as safe for the smoker as claimed. There are some trace chemicals that from my understanding are present in the atomizing process. Certainly less than the 4000 that a real cigarette produces, but something to be aware of for the smoker. Of course nicotine is still being delivered and that means the reinforcement of the addiction. There are non-nicotine cartridges available.
Four articles to read are:
What are e-cigarettes?
http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/electronic-cigarette.htm
This is about the first studies that are being released this year.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=do-electronic-cigarettes-help-smokers-quit
Second-hand smoke:
http://www.abcnews4.com/story/19988309/the-truth-about-e-cigs-are-they-healthy-or-not
What I have been reading about bans that have been implemented is not that there is evidence the e-cigarette really does or does not produce a second hand effect, but rather the perceived threat of encouraging smoking and by default the addiction to nicotine.
As a former smoker, I do see the benefit for some individuals who are just unable to quit smoking and certainly a bonus to anyone standing nearby. On the flip-side I am waiting to see what the research reveals. I would prefer that there be some type of enforceable standard for the devices. Right now anybody can claim and say anything about nicotine levels and if being used by someone as a smoking cessation device that becomes problematic.