<<Print>>

The World Health Organization says there should a ban on the use of e-cigarettes indoors and that sales to children should stop. In a report the health body says there should be no claims that the devices can help people quit smoking - until there is evidence to support this. WHO experts warn the products might pose a threat to adolescents and the foetuses of pregnant women. And they urge restrictions to be placed on flavours attractive to children. According to the WHO legal steps should be taken to end the use of e-cigarettes indoors - both in public spaces and in work places. The health experts say fruit, candy or alcoholic-drink style flavours should be banned too, while the sales of electronic cigarettes from vending machines should be heavily restricted. 'Health threats' They call for a ban on advertisements that encourage children and non-smokers to use the devices. And the WHO report warns that exhaled e-cigarette vapour could increase the background air levels of some toxicants and nicotine. The team says while e-cigarettes are likely to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they may pose threats to adolescents and the foetuses of pregnant women who use these devices. But some researchers suggest tough regulations may prevent smokers having access to products that are potentially less harmful than conventional cigarettes. A spokesman for the British American Tobacco company said: "We have always said that given nicotine is addictive, minimum age laws of 18 for the sale of e-cigarettes should be introduced. "However, if overly restrictive regulations are introduced hampering innovation or adult usage, then this could simply stifle the growth of new products and prevent smokers from being aware of and having access to them - this can only be bad thing for public health."