E-CIGARETTES are significantly less harmful to health than tobacco and have the potential to help smokers quit smoking, according to an independent review.
The review, commissioned by Public Health England, said the current best estimate is that 'vaping' is about 95 per cent less damaging than smoking.
It also found no evidence that e-cigarettes are a route into smoking for children or non-smokers.
Emerging evidence suggests some of the highest successful quit rates are now seen among smokers who use an e-cigarette and also receive additional support from their local stop smoking services.
Lisa Surtees, acting director at Fresh Smoke Free North-East, the first region where all local stop smoking services are actively promoted as e-cigarette friendly, said: “Despite making great strides to reduce smoking, tobacco is still our biggest killer.
"Our region has always kept an open mind towards using electronic cigarettes as we can see the massive potential health benefits from switching.
"All of our local NHS Stop Smoking Services now proactively welcome anyone who wants to use these devices as part of their quit attempt and increase their chance of success.”
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