Doctors want to ban e-cigarette users from lighting up in public to combat passive vaping
The crackdown, similar to the 2007 smoking ban, was urged by the British Medical Association
DOCTORS want e-cig users banned from lighting up in public to combat passive vaping.
The crackdown — similar to the 2007 smoking ban — was urged by the British Medical Association yesterday.
It follows research showing nicotine pollutes the air in households where people vape.
The chemical increases heart rate, narrows blood vessels, and increases the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Dr Iain Kennedy, chairman of the BMA’s public health committee, said: “It is a myth that there is no such thing as passive vaping.
“There is growing evidence.”
He said banning e-cigs in pubs, restaurants and workplaces was a wise “precautionary” measure.
Dr Kennedy explained: “E-cigarettes are undoubtedly safer than cigarettes but that does not mean they are completely 100 per cent safe.
“What we don’t know yet is what long-term harm there is.”
The e-cig trade association said the call was over the top.
Its chief scientist Tom Pruen said: “Smoking was banned in public places because of a clear body of evidence it was harmful to non-users.
“Similar evidence does not exist for the vapour from electronic cigarettes.”
Rosanna O’Connor, of Public Health England, said: “There is no evidence e-cigarette vapour carries the same harms.”