“E-cigarettes are harmful to health and are not safe.”
Electronic cigarettes are harmful both to users and those inhaling inhaling the fumes according to the World Health Organisation.
WHO said there is not enough evidence that the devices should be used by people who are trying to quit smoking.
“There is no doubt that that they are harmful to health and are not safe, but it is too early to provide a clear answer on the long-term impact of using them or being exposed to them,” WHO said in a statement.
It said vaping is particularly risky for the developing brains of teenagers and can damage babies in the womb.
“E-cigarettes are harmful to health and are not safe,” said the organisation.
“E-cigarettes increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders. They pose significant risks as they can damage the growing foetus. They also expose non-smokers to nicotine and other harmful chemicals.
“They are particularly risky when used by adolescents. Nicotine is highly addictive and young people’s brains develop up to their mid-twenties. Exposure to nicotine can have long-lasting, damaging effects.”
E-cigarettes use batteries to heat up nicotine, water and propylene glycol or glycerine with flavourings. This creates a vapour that lets you inhale nicotine without smoking or using tobacco.
The HSE does not recommend e-cigarettes to help quit smoking as the devices are still quite new.
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