New York, July 5, 2025 - A new lifestyle trend is becoming popular, especially among young people: “fridge cigarettes.” These are cigarettes that are stored in the fridge and feel cold when you smoke them. Some are even flavored with mint or fruit to give a cool, refreshing taste - almost like drinking a soda.

People are calling them “cool smokes” or “soda smokes.” They are cheap, easy to find in some shops, and are getting popular on social media. Videos and photos show influencers trying them and calling them the “next big thing.”

Many people say they like fridge cigarettes because they feel smooth, don’t burn the throat as much, and are less harsh than regular cigarettes. Some believe they are safer, just because they feel cool or taste nice.

But doctors and health experts are warning people not to be fooled. Just because they feel cold or smell fruity, does not make them safe.

“These cigarettes still have nicotine and harmful chemicals,” said Dr. Ritu Sharma, a lung specialist in Delhi. “The cold feeling might make them seem better, but they can still damage your lungs and heart.”

Experts also say that the cold smoke might go deeper into the lungs, which could make the damage worse over time. Some worry that young people, especially teenagers, might try them because they look “fun” or “less harmful.”

“There’s a big risk that young non-smokers will start with fridge cigarettes thinking they are cool or safe. But once they get addicted to nicotine, they move on to regular cigarettes or even stronger products,” said Dr. Sharma.

Another concern is that fridge cigarettes are not regulated. This means no one knows exactly what chemicals are in them, how they are made, or how dangerous they might be in the long term.

In some countries, flavored or cooling cigarettes are already banned because they attract young users. But in India, these fridge cigarettes are still new, and there are no clear rules yet.

Parents and teachers are being advised to talk to young people about the risks of such products. Social media platforms are also being asked to take down videos that promote fridge cigarettes as “safe” or “fun.”

Health groups are now calling on the government to investigate and possibly ban these cooling cigarettes before they become a bigger problem.

In short, fridge cigarettes may feel cool - but they are not safe. Just like any other cigarette, they can hurt your lungs, your heart, and your health.

As with many new trends, it’s easy to get excited and try something new. But when it comes to smoking, even the “cool” version can be dangerous. Think twice before you light up something just because it looks fun.

Stay smart. Stay safe. Cool doesn’t always mean harmless.