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Smokers who use new electronic cigarettes to circumvent the ban on smoking in public places have been warned that they may be damaging their health.
The battery powered, steel gadgets are designed to look like real cigarettes, with a glowing end and a plume of fragrant smoke, but instead of inhaling tobacco the user breathes in a mist of nicotine that is absorbed in the lungs.
The popularity of so-called e-cigarettes is growing as they are legal to smoke inside bars, and cheaper than cigarettes. A starter kit costs £40, while a refill cartridge of liquid nicotine in different concentrations — roughly the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes — costs from 50 pence to £1.
Companies that sell the product claim that they are "100 times healthier" than real cigarettes, with none of the carcinogens associated with tobacco. But the World Health Organisation today warned smokers to beware of the devices, which it said had not been tested adequately.
“If the marketers of the electronic cigarette want to help smokers quit, then they need to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the proper regulatory framework,” said Douglas Bettcher, director of WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative.
“Until they do that, WHO cannot consider the electronic cigarette to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy.”
Anti-smoking campaigners agreed with the WHO, saying that smokers should stick to the tried and tested nicotine replacement therapies rather than try an untested device.
“In principle we think it’s a good idea for smokers to switch to safer forms of nicotine, but at the moment we don’t know enough about this product," said Deborah Arnott, director of Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).
“Quality control in China [where they are manufactured] is not the highest, and our advice is it’s best to use nicotine products like gums and patches. The electronic cigarettes fall into a regulatory gap and they haven’t been chemically tested.”
Companies that market the e-cigarettes defended their product. “It’s a healthier way of smoking. You don’t get any of the stuff that’s in regular tobacco," said Jason Cropper, managing director of the Electronic Cigarette Company.
“It’s better if people aren’t using nicotine in any form, but they’re an alternative to using a tobacco-based product and my opinion is they’re massively less harmful.
“I bet my life they’re 100 times healthier than using a tobacco-based cigarette.”
Mr Cropper said that testing had been done on his electronic cigarettes: “Apart from the nicotine, the samples tested appear to be free from other harmful toxins.”
He added: “I believe this product is a life-saver. Ultimately it will become the nicotine replacement therapy of choice.”
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I was talking to my doctor today and she hasent even heard of e-cigarettes.If your doctor cant give you advice who can?
eurofire1981, Normanton, England
The reason why I object to secondary smoking is because there's no nicotine left in the smoke as the primary smoker has absorbed it all! So as a secondary smoker, you get the lung damage without the satisfaction. However, it seems with Ecigs that you don't even get the second hand lung damage.
Simon is under the mistaken impression that its Nicotine that is the harmful chemical, it isn't; its the other chemicals released through combustion that are dangerous so it sounds like Simon needs to put his prejudices aside and learn some real information!
Ben, Manchester, UK
After 20+ years smoking regular cigarettes i changed to the e-cigarette. I broke my habit after 4 weeks of nicotine vapour and don't smoke any longer, I have cut the Govt's tax share of 500+ packs a year and wonder how long they will take to either ban or TAX the E-Cigarettes?
Richard, Newport, Wales
there seems to be some scaremongering regarding e cigs, purely because they are untested by WHO, nobody is claiming that they completely without risk but for a smoker looking for a healthier alternative they are a god send.Im sure some goverments will ban purely because of loss of tax revenue
mike oliver, barrow in furness, uk
We are distributer for Green Smoke. Green Smoke E-cig was the first to use a disposible cartridge, laboratory tested for standard dosage.
http://greensmoke.com/152.html
or learn more at my blog greensmokin.blogspot.com
Jay Gelobter, Carmel,
I think these are a great idea. They are healthier and cheaper tham normal cigs. I have been using these for 10 day's now and I have only had 6 normal cigs. At this rate, it won't be long befor I quite altogether.
Don, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
The Nicotrol Inhaler has been around for years and is an FDA approved nicotine delivery system. It also releases exhaled nicotine into the air. You just can't see it.
Devon, Portland, OR, USA
i think that any form of new nicotene therapy replacement should be welcomed but obviously with testing. The tried and tested methods that exist have not worked with me at all so i am welcoming this new alternative, and by the way simon if some1 is smoking, move away and stop moaning that you r dyin
Tom, Spondon, England
Simon "As a non smoker..." As a non whinger, I dont want to listen to your second hand whingeing.
paul farrell, portsmouth, uk
my friend, and long time 20-a-day smoker has had a unit for 3 + months and would not be without his e-cigg, the reason why they work is because, people are lazy and all of us want an instant fix, they deliver. do not diss it without first trying it, other comments can't be trusted if not tried.
Riaan Kruse, Milton Keynes, england
Simon from Norwich. Do your home work mate, its not nicotine thats exhaled, its harmless vapour! the nicotine goes into your lungs!
Are you saying to stay away from people chewing nicotine gum, or wearing patches incase you accidentaly ingest and vapour coming from them??
alex, plymouth, devon
Simon, As a smoker I do not want you to inhale my nicotine either. I would suggest a little research into the product before making any statements. From what I have found so far the exhalation from e-cigarettes is no more deadly to you than halitosis after a beer and curry. Not all smokers are bad
Michael Hinton, Harlow, England
inhaling a spray of liquid into your lungs doesn't sound to healthy to me. It is reasuring though that the bloke selling them "bets his life" they are 100 times healthier than cigs and tells us they havn't got the dangerous "stuff" in them and are massively less harmless. I might start up again!!!
gary, Northwich ,
still applies... its your life your risking, and mine!
why not take up cleaning loaded shotgun barrels with your tongue, im sure its safer for you then smoking!
as a non smoker i do not want to inhale your nicotine either directly or second hand after you have exhaled
simon, norwich,