WHEN I read your recent article on the increase in the number of deaths and injuries in America described as "vaping-related", my heart sank (Echo, Oct 5).

I have written to Hear All Sides a number of times in recent years trying to assure you and your readers of the enormous benefits of vaping as against using cigarettes. It appears that this was all in vain due to the lure of lazy journalism creating a petty, nasty, negative piece of fake news.

Smokers might be scared off e-cigs. Smokers might then get cancer and die – well it wasn't our fault, they shouldn't smoke anyway should they?

As a vaper for six years, I can assure you there are many benefits.

Tom Teasdale,

Eaglescliffe.