Science & technology| Well informed
How harmful are electronic cigarettes?
The risks of vaping may be worth the benefits
Illustration of a vape cigarette turned into a regular cigarette at the bottom. The vape has a stub.
Illustration: Cristina Spanò
RESTRICTIONS on vaping are multiplying. Belgium banned sales of disposable vapes on January 1st. France adopted a similar law on February 24th. Other bans on “puffs”, as these single-use electronic cigarettes are also known, may soon come into force in England, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand. The latter’s law, which takes effect on June 17th, even prohibits specialist retailers from speaking with existing customers about vaping products. More than 30 countries including Brazil, India and Turkey have outlawed all vaping products. Are such measures justified?