From Douglas Bettcher, Tobacco Free Initiative, World Health Organization
Further to Helen Thomson’s article on the effects of smoking an electronic cigarette (14 February, p 33), it must be emphasised that the World Health Organization is not certain that research funded by manufacturers of these products is independent or legitimate. This is particularly true in the absence of sufficient information to evaluate the reliability or validity of the research, without publication in its complete form or thorough assessment by an appropriate regulatory authority.
Electronic nicotine delivery devices such as the electronic cigarette may have the potential to be effective for smoking cessation. However, criteria for safety and efficacy have not been satisfied, and scientific evidence sufficient to establish cessation efficacy is not yet available.
Geneva, Switzerland
