Though the electronic cigarette or e-cigarette has been generating a lot of attention in the global market over the past 3 years, it actually got its start in 2003 when SBT Investment Holdings Ltd. a company based in Beijing, China patented an early version of the device. The e cigarette is basically a personal, battery-operated vaporizer that produces inhaled doses of nicotine via a vaporized solution of nicotine, water, and propylene glycol (the same substance use to make theatrical smoke).
E-Cigarettes from Green Smoke
In 2004 the company, now controlled by Golden Dragon Group, Ltd., was active in developing the Chinese market in under the brand name of Ruyan which literally means “almost like smoke.”
In 2006, the electronic cigarette was officially brought to Europe at the RUYAN Overseas Promotion Conference held in Austria. Greg Carson, a UK businessman, discovered the product and adapted it for the European market under the name “Electro Fag.” The device has since gained in popularity throughout Europe, North America, and China.
At its inception, the e-cigarette was meant to be used by smokers when they found themselves in nonsmoking areas, but it has since become a dedicated smoking alternative for numerous users who wish to avoid the of the harmful affects of smoking.
According to Matt Salmon, president of the Electronic Cigarette Association, the total number of e-cigarette users was estimated to be 300,000 in October 2009, based on the results of a survey. Though, he added, the actual number may be higher.
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