UAE Says E-Cigarettes More Dangerous than Smoking

Electronic cigarettes, now available at pharmacies in many Gulf countries, are sold as a substitute to regular cigarettes and marketed as a better type that helps users quit smoking. But the World Health Organization (WHO) warned they pose more dangers than regular smokes.

This is indeed news to us.

Our understanding of the WHO’s position is that there has been insufficient evidence to prove that the device can help with quitting. 

‘”The electronic cigarette is not a proven nicotine replacement therapy,” said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. “WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product’s safety and efficacy.”‘

Saying there is no scientic evidence (although do check out Health New Zealand’s safety report as well as our interviews with experts on tobacco harm reduction such as David Sweanon and Dr Joel Nitzkin) is not the same as saying it is dangerous. 

And it is a very long way saying they are more dangerous than cigarettes, a product which kills one in three long term users. 

It is also noticable that the WHO does not state that it could not help smokers quit:

“WHO does not discount the possibility that the electronic cigarette could be useful as a smoking cessation aid. The only way to know is to test.”

We have written to the WHO requesting clarification of their position, and will keep you upated on any reply.