The Irish Cancer Society says it cannot recommend electronic cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco until they are regulated in Ireland.
The ICS has welcomed moves in Britain to class e-cigarettes as ‘medicines’ under proposals to tighten up the regulation of nicotine products.
Manufacturers will have to face tough tests before they can sell their e-cigarettes as ‘licensed products’ in Britain.
The move will also mean e-cigarettes can be prescribed by doctors in to help smokers cut down or quit.
An e-cigarette is an electronic inhaler that vaporises a liquid nicotine into an aerosol mist, simulating the act of tobacco smoking
However, an ICS spokeswoman said the body could not recommend e-cigarettes in the absence of appropriate regulation and evidence.
"Until the safety and efficacy of these products are established and we can be assured that they do not pose a hazard to a person’s health and well-being, we are unable to recommend them," said the spokeswoman.
E-cigarettes are widely available in Ireland but there are no regulations setting down the provisions for their sale or advertising.
Source: Irish Examiner, 17/06/13
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