The electronic cigarette was designed to reduce the intake of nicotine.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an official notice saying these cigarettes, which are made in China, have no significant proof to assist smokers to stop.  It was another hyped up marketing ploy and should be removed immediately from their websites.

Smoking Kills

The cigarette is made of stainless steel with a chamber that stores liquid nicotine in various strengths.  It has a rechargeable battery and resembles a real lit cigarette.  It does not produce a smoke, but a fine mist which is inhaled.

In 2004, the product was developed in China and is distributed to many countries, including Brazil, Canada, Finland, Israel, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.  Proper case studies from the manufacturer were not conducted to prove the claim to this electronic cigarette as a replacement for a nicotine patch or gum.

“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 a.i. of WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative. “Until they do that, WHO cannot consider the electronic cigarette to be an appropriate nicotine replacement therapy, and it certainly cannot accept false suggestions that it has approved and endorsed the product. ”

A WHO study group is scheduled to address this topic along with others in Durban, South Africa on 12-14 November 2008.