Vapes, or e-cigarettes, were invented in 2003 in China by a pharmacist named Hon Lik. Hon Lik created the first commercially viable electronic cigarette after his father, a heavy smoker, passed away from lung cancer. Hon, himself a smoker, sought a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products.
Key Points in the Development of Vaping:
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Early Attempts (1960s-70s):
- The concept of a smokeless, electronic nicotine delivery system dates back to 1963, when an inventor named Herbert A. Gilbert patented a device he described as a "smokeless non-tobacco cigarette." However, it never reached the market due to technological and cultural limitations.
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Hon Lik's Design (2003):
- Hon Lik's design used ultrasonic atomization to vaporize a nicotine solution, later replaced by heating elements for greater efficiency.
- His invention was marketed in China under the brand Ruyan ("like smoke") and eventually spread globally.
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Global Popularity (2007 onward):
- E-cigarettes entered the U.S. and European markets around 2006-2007, quickly gaining popularity as an alternative to smoking.
- By the 2010s, the industry diversified with advancements such as mods, tanks, pod systems, and flavored e-liquids.
Current Impact:
Vaping has since evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, accompanied by debates over health effects, youth use, and regulatory challenges. While it is often promoted as a harm-reduction tool for smokers, its long-term safety is still being studied.