WHO warning on electronic cigarettes

AN electronic cigarette that produces a fine, heated mist that is absorbed into the lungs is not a proven therapy for smokers trying to quit, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.

Users puff on the device as they would a real cigarette, but they do not light it. The device resembles a real cigarette but creates a vapour acting like smoke.

The electronic cigarette, developed by Chinese scientists in 2004, is widely available on the internet — a starter kit, containing about five refills, can be purchased for about €100.