National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia stated that there is currently insufficient evidence to support e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes or quit smoking aid.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) CEO Professor Anne Kelso AO, has emphasised the lack of evidence to claim e-cigarettes as “safe”.

“There is currently insufficient evidence to support claims that e-cigarettes are safe, and further research is required to enable the long-term safety, quality and efficacy of e-cigarettes to be assessed,” Professor Kelso said. 

Lesser toxin chemicals are released by e-cigarettes than the conventional tobacco cigarettes. However, it is still yet to be determined whether the exposure of the fewer toxic chemicals also reduces harm to the user. 

Moreover, further evidence suggests that for non-smokers, e-cigarettes could act as a gateway to tobacco cigarettes. 

This statement is part of the NHMRC’s ongoing $6.5 million research into e-cigarettes since 2011. Outcomes will be available in 2018. 

“Until evidence of safety, quality and efficacy can be produced, health authorities and policy-makers should continue to act to minimise harm to users and bystanders. This particularly applies to young people,” Professor Kelso added. 

Further information about e-cigarettes should be sought from reliable sources such as the state or territory health department or local quit smoking service.