Safe 'cigarettes'

[larrynz]

A Chinese company marketing the world's first "electronic" cigarette hopes to double sales this year as it expands overseas and as some of China's legions of smokers try to quit.

Golden Dragon Group's Ruyan cigarettes are battery-powered, cigarette-shaped devices that deliver nicotine to inhalers in a bid to emulate actual smoking.

"The nicotine is delivered to the lungs within 7 to 10 seconds," said Scott Fraser, Vice President of SBT Co, the Beijing-based firm that first developed the electronic cigarette technology in 2003 and which is now controlled by Golden Dragon.

"It feels like a cigarette, looks like a cigarette, it even emits vapour. In many ways, it is like an actual smoking experience, and that's what makes us different," he told Reuters.

The cigarettes sell for around $US208 ($NZ285) apiece and are already available in China, Israel, Turkey, and a number of European countries, but not yet Australia or the United States.

www.stuff.co.nz/4056170a7144.html

[morningstar]

Hi Larry,

What will they come up with next? It really looks like a cigarette doesn't it. Aren't we greatful we don't have to try that we have already kicked are habit. Thanks for sharing.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Good Heavens.....I'd hate to think what a pack would cost. Perhaps you only ever need to buy one?

[larrynz]

I assume you buy one only, if it gets a person off smoking it would be cheap, the money saved from buying cigarettes, reduced health problems and ultimate costs. Certainly an answer for those who feel they can't give up.