Nicotine monitors released

After several hurdles, a consignment of air-monitoring devices that calculate nicotine levels in buildings has finally reached the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease IUATLD, which is coordinating with the Health Ministry in its fight against tobacco.

With the aim of making Delhi, Chennai, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad smoke-free, Johns Hopkins University sent 160 air-nicotine monitors8212;free of cost8212;for each of the four cities about two weeks ago, but the cargo got stuck with the customs department in India.

8220;It was not a dutiable thing and hence we pleaded for it to be released,8221; said a senior official in the Health Ministry. On Monday, however, the IULTD received the devices. 8220;The equipments have been received and will be sent to the cities soon,8221; said Dr P P Mandal, regional programme coordinator of the organisation.