australian scientists are working to produce the world's first smokeless cigarette. It will allow smokers to inhale nicotine much like an ordinary cigarette but will have no smoke -- thus making it safer and less polluting. It will be safer because unburnt nicotine is a relatively innocuous substance, which some studies suggest may even have beneficial effects on inhalers, said the inventor, Robert Voges, director of Vapotronics. Made of plastic or ceramic, it is shaped like a cigarette and contains a reservoir of nicotine. It also has a bubble-jet head, a battery, an airflow sensor, indicators, and a logic circuit. When activated, it squirts tiny droplets of nicotine solution into the airstream. "The device will deliver the equivalent nicotine of 20 cigarettes inhaled into the airstream, which will be drawn into the deep lung. But, because it is not being burnt, the nicotine is relatively safe," says Voges.
Until now, there has not been a cigarette-shaped device that requires the same hand to mouth motion as a cigarette but which, without burning tobacco, provided the same nicotine surge and deep lung delivery as a cigarette.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.