Interview with the inventor of e-cig

The very first iteration of the electronic cigarette can be traced back to the 1960s in which the American inventor, Herbert A Gilbert, patented a design for a device that "replaces burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air". Although some prototypes were produced, he did not receive much attention at that time, mainly because of the widespread distribution and popularity of cigarettes, and the marketing strategies used by the tobacco companies during that period.

It wasn't until 2003 when the Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik patented the modern design that we have become familiar with today. Over the last ten years, things have changed rapidly in the vaping world, and while the devices and methods of using an electric cigarette have changed, basic conditions have generally remained the same.

In May 2016, strict regulations were implemented across both Europe and North America, which seriously threaten to turn the gun industry up and down. There is also a myriad of confusing content all around, with media stretching on both sides of the fence, some select ones specifically taking a stance on the matter, then U-turning and completely changing its mind completely, and then turning back again! 

It is also the slow integration of big tobacco companies in the vaping industry, and continues to gain more and more influence, despite ironically promoting tobacco use, as well as Phillip Morris trying to take a whole country to court over regulations .

Hon Lik shared some thoughts about what he thinks is the future of the vaping and e cig industry.

TO START, CAN YOU TELL THE HISTORY OF HOW YOU INVENTED THE MODERN ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE?

Hon Lik: It's a long story, but let me try to give you a simple version. I started smoking when I was 18 years old. At that time, I was working in a rural area, and I used cigarettes because I worked very hard and very far away from my parents and family. It was pretty lonely, so the cigarettes became my good friend.

Eventually I went back to town to study and studied to be a pharmacist. My workload steadily increased, so cigarette consumption went up. I really understood the damage of smoking to my health, so after a while I thought "because I'm a pharmacist, maybe I can use my knowledge to develop something that can help me quit smoking."

I found nicotine stains and used them for a while, but they didn't really help. This was the turning point. I decided to use my knowledge to develop an alternative product.

AND WHAT WAS YOU CREATING A E-CIG?

Hon Lik: I officially started developing this alternative device during 2002. I understood as a pharmacist that the delivery of nicotine from a patch is very different from smoking: the patch delivers nicotine in a steady flow through the skin of the blood, but it will remain stable for a long time. When you burn tobacco and inhale nicotine, it can quickly enter the lungs and bloodstream and achieve a stroke that is very satisfactory. I began to look for the best way to emulate smoking. Just because I understood this in theory, didn't mean I could easily find a solution.

At the moment there was no information or material to find. I had a long period of failure. Every day when I woke up I had a new idea of ​​how to improve the device or material. Every week I came upon an improved model. In 2003, I registered the patent in China, the US and also in the EU.

DID YOU EVER EXPECT IT TO BE LARGE AS IT HAS BEEN?

Hon Lik: To be honest, yes. I expected the success to be huge, and because of that belief, it was actually my motivation to go through a very long and hard development.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE GREAT SELECTION OF E-LIQUID TASTS IN THE MARKET? THAT DESSERT AND GOODY TASTE?

Hon Lik: Of course, for the specific tastes you mentioned about sweets and food, I've tasted these. However, I'm a smoker, so I don't like it because I'm used to the tobacco flavor. But I also understand that the majority of e-cigar consumers are ex-cigarette users, so the majority are not concerned with this type of taste. Maybe some very small group of individuals will use this type of taste as a fashion product.

REALLY, THE TASTE PRODUCTS LOOK TO BE VERY POPULAR, ALSO AMONG PREVIOUS SMOKERS. THEY TELL ME THAT IT HELPS THEM TO STAY OUT OF CIGARETTE.

Hon Lik: Thanks for the information. I understand. I think Americans use more sugar products than the Chinese people. There may be a possible answer for this phenomenon.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?

Hon Lik: I have one thing to add, and there are the following: In the beginning, the e-cigarette received a lot of attention because it was a new concept and the potential it provides to society - the potential as an alternative and less harmful product compared to burning tobacco.

I am very happy to see that, and it is very normal to receive doubts or discuss new technology, standards and security.

That being said, media from all over the world sometimes seem more focused on sensational news rather than delving deeper into understanding this new product and potential. The discussion I want to have is how I can improve the technology available, how to improve standards, how to further reduce risk and improve product. I want to raise awareness so that billions of consumers can benefit from this new product.