Top Chinese vape firms research nicotine alternatives
Three large Chinese vape companies are researching nicotine-like chemicals they think could serve as a substitute for nicotine in products like vapes, company officials said, but the health implications may still need "years" of investigation. One such chemical, 6-methyl nicotine, is made in a lab, has a similar chemical structure to nicotine and is already used in some vapes in the United States. E-liquid manufacturers Hangsen International Group and Zinwi Biotech, as well as Smoore International, a top contract manufacturer for vapes and other smoking alternatives that counts big tobacco companies among its customers, said more studies were required to determine if such chemicals were safe.