Introduction: The electronic cigarette (e-cigarette, e-cig) issue is very popular among tobacco users, as these products are available on European market since ten years already. So far there is missing any review or original paper on this topic in our country. Methods: We conducted literature search using key words related to the topic, in internet search engines and selected database systems. Results: Four generations of products described as electronic cigarettes can be distinguished. There is a trend toward a better performance, a longer battery life, variability of use, but also towards more safety and uniqueness of design in the development of new products. Currently there is no legal framework for “a standard device” use and manufacture. Leading world tobacco producers joined research and technical development. The e-cig use prevalence is steeply increasing worldwide, especially in youth. After 2012 there is also a steep increase in the number of publications on this topic. Original papers mainly pertain to chemical and toxicological research. Longitudinal clinical trials are missing. Existing reviews favour e-cigarettes use as a harm-reduction approach, with no definite conclusions, however. As a smoking cessation aid, e-cigarettes are mostly registered in phase 3 clinical trials. Discussion: Among the most discussed issues remain safety and potential medical use in the struggle against tobacco harm. Taxation, regulation of use, epidemiology and technological issues are also of interest. Conclusion: E-cigarettes are not designed solely for smokers or ex-smokers, but becoming increasingly a hobby, apparently more and more designed for youth, and became a subject to tobacco manufacture and sale regulation law in the European Union recently, but still they are not officially concerned as medically relevant anti-tobacco products. Their perspective use is consistent with harm-reduction approach. These products are very likely to become an alternative to tobacco smoking, eventually a means of reduction, rather than a way to complete abstinence.

Key words: electronic cigarette – e-cigarette – vaporizer – vaping – nicotine addiction – harm reduction – smoking cessation