Novel cigarette-appearing items have been introduced to the market with the intent, either stated or implied, of reducing toxicants in mainstream and second-hand smoke and/or helping smokers break their nicotine addiction. We report here the introduction to the market of electronic products that mimic a cigar, cigarette or pipe. These articles are unique in that they are the first to have the appearance of conventional tobacco products but contain no tobacco. The products deliver nicotine, at different amounts, but no smoke or tar.

The items have been developed by Beijing SBT Ruyan Technologies and Development, Beijing, China (http:///www.sbtry.cn/anli-en.asp) and are marketed by the Create Times Industrial & Trading, Shenzhen, China (http://www.quism.net).

The electronic cigar we purchased …