The World Health Organization is calling for strict regulation of electronic cigarettes, their contents, advertising and selling to minors, as well as bans on indoor use after issuing a new report, according to The Guardian.
WHO is concerned "at the concentration of the $3 billion market in the hands of transnational tobacco companies," Reuters reported.
The report said e-cigarettes have to be regulated in order to "minimize content and emissions of toxicants."
The agency recommends many regulations in its 13-page report, such as prohibiting e-cigarette makers from making health statements, like claiming e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking. In order to make such claims, the company would need to provide "convincing supporting scientific evidence and obtain regulatory approval."
It also suggests e-cigarettes with sweet, fruit and alcoholic drink flavors be banned and vending machines should be removed in all locations, according to The Guardian.
While U.S. smoking rates have decreased throughout the years, the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Reuters also states that although evidence shows e-cigarettes are likely less toxic than regular cigarettes, they still pose a threat to youth and the fetuses of the pregnant women who use them.
U.S. researchers said Monday that e-cigarettes may be more tempting than regular cigarettes to non-smoking youths and that young people are more inclined to try the regular cigarettes after trying e-cigarettes.
What is more, e-cigarettes also increase the exposure of nicotine and toxins to non-smokers and bystanders, also known as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), according to Reuters.
"...existing evidence shows that ENDS aerosol is not merely 'water vapor' as is often claimed in the marketing for these products," the report said.
The report will be debated in an October meeting.
