E-cigarettes Ban in UAE up in Smoke

Source from:  Gulf News (ae) 05/06/2013

Despite the UAE-wide e-cigarette ban in the UAE, there is evidence of growing use of the electronic alternative to tobacco, Gulf News has learnt. Health experts urged civic authorities to take swift action to stop the illegal trade.

Investigation revealed that unlicensed traders sell e-cigarettes for Dh50 a piece, and claim they can arrange for small quantities at a time. The illegal import is being done through word of mouth and, according to Gulf News sources, even through licensed traders of Chinese products in free zone areas, albeit in small quantities.

Public health experts have said that e-cigarettes — a battery-operated device that delivers nicotine without tobacco and emulates smoking — undermines the country's anti-smoking efforts. Furthermore, they are concerned that e-cigarettes could increase nicotine addiction and encourage tobacco use in the younger population.

The smokeless 'cigarette' that delivers doses of nicotine and/or tobacco extracts with or without flavouring, is erroneously seen as a healthy alternative to tobacco smoking. Enditem