MPs launch inquiry into e-cigarettes over fears they ‘normalise smoking and aren’t safe’
MPs have launched an inquiry into e-cigarettes amid fears the devices are not safe, it has emerged.
It comes as a former health minister raised concerns over "significant gaps" in research into the regulation and sales of the devices.
Norman Lamb, who is chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, said there needs to be better understanding of the implications of the "growing industry" of e-cigarettes.
It comes after Public Health England conducted a major review into the devices in 2015 - that saw the health bod promote the use of the devices.
Their findings determined that e-cigs are 95 per cent less harmful than regular cigarettes - and could help smokers quit.
The Royal College of Physicians agrees, and last year concluded vaping is likely to be beneficial to public health.
But, the devices are still relatively new and critics say not enough research has been done to determine their potential dangers.
Reflecting those concerns, Mr Lamb's committee has launched their inquiry into the products.
Their probe will look at the impact of e-cigs on human health.
And the "suitability" of regulations guiding their use, as well as the financial implications of their use on business and the NHS will also be considered.
Mr Lamb said: "Almost three million people in the UK now use e-cigarettes, but there are still significant gaps in the research guiding their regulation and sale.
"They are seen by some as valuable tools that will reduce the number of people smoking 'conventional' cigarettes, and seen by others as 're-normalising' smoking for the younger generation.
"We want to understand where the gaps are in the evidence base, the impact of the regulations, and the implications of this growing industry on NHS costs and the UK's public finances."
VAPING RULES What are the laws on e-cigarettes, is vaping dangerous and are e-cigs safer than normal cigarettes?
The rechargeable devices sell for as little as £5, and give vapers a nicotine hit but without the tobacco toxins.
In May this year new legislation was brought in to restrict the sale of e-cigs and e-liquids.
The laws mean vapers can only buy 2ml of e-liquid at a time, compared to 5ml before the change.
And stricter testing of those liquids has also been introduced, to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly investigated.
Certain additives are now banned, and ads promoting e-cigs are not subjected to stricter controls.
E-cigarettes have been dogged by concerns over their effectiveness, and fears they may act as a gateway to smoking, encouraging non-smokers, including teenagers, to tobacco.
Tests have also shown the devices could be as bad for your heart as fags, causing damage to key blood vessels.
A study published last week warned e-cigs could trigger deadly lung disease, just like cigarettes.
Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "E-cigarettes are a relatively new and evolving technology.
"Current evidence tells us that they are 95 per cent less harmful than smoking tobacco.
"Many people are now using them very successfully to stop smoking and that is good news for people who are trying to give up.
"We very much support proper investment in research in what is clearly a rapidly growing market."
In September a study found just one puff on an e-cigarette could increase a vaper's risk of heart attack.
Earlier this year another piece of research warned of damage to your heart, with e-cigarettes found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
But, other studies have hailed the devices a smoking cessation aid.
In July US scientists found e-cigarettes do help smokers quit their habit, and encouraged more people to switch to vaping "for the sake of their health".