Regulations hazy for electronic cigarettes
But a physician associated with the public policy research firm R Street says e-cigarettes do not recruit new nicotine addicts as much as they help smokers get healthier.
Studies in the United States and United Kingdom show “non-smokers are not taking up e-cigarettes,” Dr. Joel Nitzkin said.
Non-smokers may try one out of curiosity, he said, but the main users are smokers seeking a less toxic alternative to regular cigarettes.
“It’s people who are already smoking, including the teenagers,” Nitzkin said.
He said the smokers are benefi tting from the switch, improving their lung power and ability to compete in athletic events as well as regaining their sense of taste.
