The smoking ban has resulted in many smokers quitting the habit. It has also meant that those who have struggled to give up have turned to new ways to get their nicotine fix. One such way is an electronic cigarette, which is legal to smoke in public places. Designed to look like a real cigarette, it has a glowing end and gives off a fragrant smelling smoke. The user inhales a mist of nicotine to give them their fix. It all sounds pretty harmless though scientists are worried that the electronic cigarettes may be harmful to the health of those who are using them.
The cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular and are not as expensive as their real counterparts. A starter kit is £40 and a refill costs between 50 pence and one pound. The refill is equivalent to a packet of cigarettes.
The manufacturers of the device have made claims that the electronic device is a hundred times healthier than real cigarettes though the World Health Organisation has warned smokers that the devices have not been tested adequately and could cause harm. No clinical trials have been conducted on the devices; something that the WHO has said is unacceptable. Until the trials have been conducted the WHO has said that they cannot consider the electronic cigarette an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy.
Anti-smoking campaigners have also expressed their concern over the devices and have agreed with the WHO that smokers who are trying to quit should stick to nicotine replacement therapies that have been clinically tested or speak to their GP about one of the clinically proven and safe prescription medications designed to help with smoking cessation.