There is a lone voice supporting the e-cigarette as a way to help smokers quit.
A new U.K. study claims the vapor-based devices can be a successful option to quitting traditional tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes have a 60 percent success rate over other alternatives such as nicotine patches and gum.
The study assessed 5,863 smokers, in a five-year period, who were trying to quit the habit.
One out of five were successful using e-cigarette devices, states the research.
"E-cigarettes could substantially improve public health because of their widespread appeal and the huge health gains associated with stopping smoking," said Professor Robert West of University College London and senior study author.
"By providing a vapor containing nicotine without tobacco combustion, e-cigarettes appear able to reduce craving and withdrawal associated with abstinence in smokers while toxicity testing suggests that they are much safer to the user than ordinary cigarettes," states the study.
The news comes amidst a wave of recent research claiming the e-cigarette is not as healthy as some may think. The device is also under scrutiny by U.S. federal and state lawmakers concerned about a lack of regulation on sales and marketing.
The devices have recently been banned in some indoor public places and more bans are expected given insight on potential health issues with the vapor released.
