Advancement in the traditional methods of cigarette-alternatives such as chewing gums and patches, the e-cigarette, based on Nicotine Replacement Therapy, gives smokers the feeling of smoking a cigarette without the dangers of a traditional cigarette. “Traditional smoking, considered a major risk factor for a number of heart diseases, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer, is known to produce 22 mg nicotine for a pack of 20. Further, it produces 4000 toxic gases that are harmful for the smokers. The e-cigarette comes with options of 16, nine, four and zero mg nicotine. Itcuts all these harmful gases and allows only nicotine, that too at a reduced concentration of 10 per cent to reach the lungs. We’ve made it available in non- nicotine versions, with flavours such as- chocolate, coffee and mint,” added Kumar.

Another much talked-about side effect of cigarette is passive smoking and while creating the same output-smoke as the traditional cigarette, the e-cigarette claims to be harmless for passive smokers too. “Output smoke is important to give the feel of a real smoking experience. While keeping the smoke intact, we have just reduced toxins that are a part of the smoke generated from a traditional cigarette. Further, there is no CO2 as there is no burning,” said Aarti Jha, manager, SPK Consumer Solutions Pvt Ltd.

Bengaluru-based businessman Navin Narayanan has been using the e-cigarette for the past four months and said, “I used to smoke six regular cigarettes earlier, but started using e-cigarette four months ago. While reduced nicotine intake is one aspect, the added advantage has been that I now smoke only two cigarettes per day.”

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