SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has welcomed the highly-anticipated report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on electronic cigarettes and similar products, which found that such products have not been proven as an effective aid for those trying to quit smoking.

In a statement released today (Aug 27), the MOH said there have been no applications to register Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) as smoking cessation therapies in Singapore. “ENDS, including e-cigarettes, that claim to be smoking cessation products to help smokers quit tobacco use should demonstrate their safety and effectiveness with the same level of scientific rigour required for approved Nicotine-Replacement Therapies under the Medicines Act,” the ministry said.

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, the import, distribution and sale of ENDS in Singapore is prohibited. The MOH said it will continue to take a serious view towards the importation of ENDS into the country, including via online purchases and hand-carrying into Singapore”.

The WHO report, released yesterday (Aug 26), also highlighted that the vapour from ENDS could affect users and nearby bystanders in a number of ways, such as having an adverse effect on brain development in unborn babies, children and teenagers.

“The existing evidence shows that ENDS aerosol is not merely ‘water vapour’ as is often claimed in the marketing for these products. ENDS use poses serious threats to adolescents and fetuses. In addition, it increases exposure of non-smokers and bystanders to nicotine and a number of toxicants,” the report stated.

The report did note that the use of well-regulated ENDS by established adult smokers as a complete substitution for cigarettes is likely to be less toxic for the smoker than conventional cigarettes or other combusted tobacco products. “The amount of risk reduction, however, is presently unknown,” the report stated.

The MOH encouraged smokers seeking to quit to use proven methods like going cold turkey, undergoing smoking cessation counselling and nicotine replacement therapy.

It added that smokers who wish to quit can speak with a Quit Consultant on the toll-free Quitline at 1800-438 2000, or join the iQuit club at www.iquitclub.sg. In addition, health ambassadors under the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme provide peer support to help smokers quit the habit.