E-cigarette launched in Hong Kong

Updated 23.53 Thu May 10 2007

Keywords: nicotine, device, smoking, Hong Kong, e-cigarette

A battery-powered cigarette has been created in Hong Kong to help smokers kick the habit.

The Ruyan "e-cigarette" is an electric device that delivers nicotine to inhalers to re-create the experience of smoking.

The Ruyan "e-cigarette" is an electric device that delivers nicotine to inhalers to re-create the experience of smoking

SBT Company first developed the e-cigarette technology in 2003. The firm is now owned by Golden Dragon Group Ltd.

SBT Vice President Scott Fraser said: "It's more similar to smoking physiologically as well, people are getting their dose of nicotine absorbed much more readily with our product than with the nicotine gum which takes about 5 minutes, up to 10 minutes to be absorbed.

"It activates a flow sensor which draws the solution from the cartridge in the atomising chamber where it's vaporised into tiny droplets which then exhale."

The cigarettes sell for around 1,600 yuan (£105) each and are already available in China, Israel and Turkey.