E-cigarettes banned on safety grounds

E-cigarettes have been banned by NHS Fife because they could pose a fire hazard and possible danger to health. It is thought that more health boards could follow as NHS Tayside is also considering the issue. 

The nicotine replacement devices are battery-operated and, because they include a heating element which could ignite bedding or clothing, have been deemed to be too dangerous to use at Fife hospitals and clinics.

There were also fears that smoke alarms could be set off by the vapour they produce. 

Questions remain around the safety of e-cigarettes as a nicotine replacement therapy for those attempting to quit and this has also led to them banned under the health board's tobacco policy.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will make an announcement about the possible regulation of the products next spring, following their own assessment of the product.

Link: www.thecourier.co.uk/Community/Health/article/22967/nhs-fife-bans-e-cigarettes-on-safety-grounds.html