Possible risks of e-cigarettes

The Dutch Health Ministry announced about the possible health risks of electronic cigarettes.

The National Institute for Public Health said it was concerned about a lack of evidence on the possible health effects of e-cigarettes, and said that as a precaution, they should not be used by pregnant women or in the vicinity of children.

Some health experts say e-cigarettes - battery-powered metal tubes that turn nicotine-laced liquid into vapor - may be the answer to helping millions of smokers to quit cigarettes and thereby avoid the damaging health effects of smoke.

All the top tobacco companies are investing in e-cigarettes, which some analysts have predicted may outsell conventional cigarettes in 10 years.

Citing the institute's findings, Dutch deputy health minister Martin Van Rijn argued that e-cigarettes are as addictive as tobacco cigarettes because they contain nicotine, and he said there was no proof of claims by manufacturers that they help smokers quit.

"There is insufficient scientific evidence to be able to say whether the quantities of toxins in the exhaled air are dangerous for bystanders," Van Rijn wrote in a letter to parliament.

The Dutch institute raised concerns on its website that e-cigarettes are attractive to young people because of bright colors, flashing lights and jewelry-like appearance.

Roughly 11 to 18 percent of Dutch smokers have tried the e-cigarette, while about 5 percent said they use it regularly.

Philip Morris International Inc, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, said this month it plans to enter the e-cigarette market next year, saying it is the "greatest growth opportunity".

Imperial Tobacco Group plans to launch two electronic cigarettes in its new fiscal year.

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