More evidence needed on claims made for e-cigarettes, says TUC

date: 12 June 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on the announcement today (Wednesday) that e-cigarettes are to be regulated, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'E-cigarettes may be a useful tool in helping smokers give up but we need proper evidence that this is actually the case, as well as more on their safety - not just statements from the companies which manufacture them.

'No-one should be using e-cigarettes at work in an attempt to get round the smoking ban. Not only should people have the right to clean air at work, allowing their use in places where smoking is no longer allowed will make it less likely that people give up. The danger is that many smokers will simply use e-cigarettes in addition to their usual tobacco ones, rather than instead of them.

'Reclassification of e-cigarettes should also happen now - we shouldn't have to wait for another three years for the change.'

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