E-cigarettes may be carcinogenic, says consumer watchdog

THE consumer watchdog 60 Millions de Consommateurs has warned that electronic cigarettes are 'not as harmless' as manufacturers claim.

In a study the organisation says it found significant levels of carcinogenic molecules in the vapour of the cigarettes.

They went on to say that whilst e-cigarettes should not be banned, better controls should be put in place after testing 12 different models, both of disposable and rechargeable types.

One million people use e-cigarettes in France, and earlier this year health minister Marisol Touraine said the ban on smoking in public places would be extended to cover electronic cigarettes.

And 60 Millions de Consommateurs is not alone in questioning just how safe electronic cigarettes are, with doctors at Cancer Research UK advising people to use medicinal nicotine products such as patches and gum.

Saying these products have been tested and found to be safe and effective, while questions remain on the risks or benefits of electronic cigarettes because no rigorous testing had taken place.