FUMAKILLA VAPE, LAUNCH AD, 1966 |
Today, many young people in particular are into smoking
electronic cigarettes or vaping. For some, it is a way to transition from
traditional cigarettes to not smoking at all. But most use it to look cool and
hip. How exactly does it work?
E-cigarettes heat nicotine extract flavorings to create a
water vapor that one inhales. Nicotine is addictive, so whether you are vaping
or smoking a traditional cigarette, the risk of harm is still there.
But do you know that as early as 1966, a product with the
brand name VAPE, was introduced in
the market? No, it was not an alternative smoke gadget, but an “electronic mosquito destroyer!”
FUMAKILLA VAPE
kills mosquitoes by emitting fragrant vapors. No mess…no smoke. All you need is
a VAPE mat that you insert in a
heating pad. When plugged, the VAPE
mat is vaporized to exude invisible vapors that kill mosquitoes safely. The
vapors are virtually harmless to animals and humans.
There are even 2 kinds of VAPE pads to choose from—the
regular pad and a decorative version with a human bust that conceals the
mat. The gadget is manufactured by FUMAKILLA Limited, and was distributed
by Tancho Corporation (of the stick pomade fame).
FUMAKILLA VAPE
did not catch on, possibly because it was perceived as more expensive—it
required electricity to run. Traditional katols (mosquito coils) however, were
more practical as you can light them, and leave them—no electricity needed.
Katols have also been used for decades, and are more available (you can buy
them from sari-sari stores). Old habits die hard…and in the end, it was FUMAKILLA VAPE that died as the 60s decade came to a close.