Working Paper Series

Abstract: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become progressively ubiquitous in smokers and their roles of smoking cessation give rise to much controversy. With reference to the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes use, the paper aims to examine the efficacy of e-cigarettes in quitting smoking and to make recommendations to existing policies. Health impacts of e-cigarettes are still not being proven in the long-term and cessation effectiveness is not well established. However, e-cigarettes constitute a gateway to cigarette smoking, nicotine addiction as well as dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional tobaccos among smokers and youth population. Current policies on e-cigarettes in Hong Kong pose certain grey areas. The Government should put greater efforts into regulatory measures regarding the sale and promotion of e-cigarettes. Increased public education is also important in order to safeguard public health of the community.