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

Area of Science:

• Regulatory Science
• Tobacco Control
• Public Health

Background:

• The electronic cigarette (ECIG) market is rapidly evolving, presenting significant challenges for regulatory science.
• Inconsistent terminology used by researchers, health organizations, users, and manufacturers hinders scientific advancement and regulation development.
• Existing categorization methods, like "generations," struggle to keep pace with market changes, creating ambiguity in device classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the challenges in electronic cigarette (ECIG) regulatory science due to market evolution and inconsistent terminology.
• To emphasize the need for standardized nomenclature in the ECIG research community.
• To address the difficulties in classifying ECIG devices amidst rapid technological advancements.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ECIG terminology and market trends.
• Analysis of current ECIG categorization systems, including "generations."
• Identification of discrepancies in device descriptions across stakeholder groups.

Main Results:

• Significant inconsistencies exist in the language used to describe ECIG devices.
• The rapid pace of ECIG innovation blurs the lines between device "generations."
• Lack of standardized terms impedes the development of robust regulatory frameworks.

Conclusions:

• Standardized terminology is essential for effective electronic cigarette (ECIG) research and regulation.
• Clearer classification systems are needed to accommodate the evolving ECIG market.
• Addressing terminological inconsistencies will facilitate scientific progress and informed policy-making.