WHEN the world’s first electronic cigarette was invented in Beijing in 2003, the device was hailed as a godsend for tobacco fiends. It used power from a small battery to vaporise a nicotine solution that delivered the hit smokers crave with fewer toxins than tobacco smoke. Today over 95% of e-cigarettes are made in China, but until recently the Chinese themselves have shown little interest in the product.
“Vaping”, as it is known, is far more popular in Europe and North America. In these regions, many health campaigners argue that e-cigarettes may help smokers quit. In China, however, awareness of tobacco’s health risks is low and regular smokes are cheap. A pack can sell for as little as 2.5 yuan ($0.40), compared with an electronic one that costs around 200 yuan for a starter kit.
The government is stepping up efforts to persuade the country’s 280m daily smokers—nearly one-third of the world’s total—to give up. On June 1st a ban on smoking in public places was introduced in Beijing. If successful, it will be rolled out nationwide. For the first time, the annual meeting in March of China’s legislature was made...Continue reading
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