11/1/2008 - Electronic Cigarette Not Legitimate Nictotine Replacement Therapy, WHO Says

Electronic Cigarette Not Legitimate Nictotine Replacement Therapy, WHO Says

As reported by the Associated Press in September, "Companies marketing electronic cigarettes should stop claiming the product is a safe and effective anti-smoking therapy,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday.  Douglas Bettcher, who directs the WHO's Tobacco Free Initiative noted that, "unlike other nicotine replacements, the electronic cigarettes lack scientific evidence to confirm their efficacy."  Electronic cigarettes, which resemble real cigarettes – and are powered by rechargeable batteries – produce a nicotine mist that is absorbed in the lungs.  They have a chamber for storing liquid nicotine in different concentrations and were first developed in China in 2004.  They are now sold there as well as in Brazil, Canada, Finland, Israel, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.  Bettcher adds, "Also there's no experience in pharmacology yet of nicotine replacement therapies which actually inhale nicotine into the lungs.  And no tests have been done to find out exactly what these nicotine cartridges contain."

"The WHO is particularly aggrieved that some manufacturers have implied the organization views it as a legitimate nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine gum, lozenges and patches." The organization "has sent 'cease-and-desist' letters to the manufacturers demanding they immediately withdraw these claims or otherwise face legal action." The WHO spokesman pointed out that "the organization did not rule out entirely the possibility that the electronic cigarette could help people quit smoking, 'but the fact is that the appropriate scientific tests to prove efficacy, safety, [and] quality have not been done so there's absolutely no basis for making these claims.'" He then "called on the manufacturers and marketers to conduct clinical studies and toxicity analyses and operate within the 'proper regulatory framework.' "

"