A study has shown e-cigarettes may be a “gateway out of tobacco smoking” for young people.

Public Health England (PHE) undertook research into vaping after concern was raised about the use of e-cigarettes among 11 to 16 year-olds.

Data involving 60,000 teenagers showed there is no evidence that vaping is more harmful to people’s health.

Out of the young people who were surveyed, only three per cent used e-cigarettes at least once a week and weren’t likely to take up “old-style” smoking as a result.

Dan Marchant, who is the founder of Vape Club, a Watford business, said: "It is fantastic to see the results of PHE’s study mirror what we in the industry have been saying for so long - vaping is not a gateway to smoking.

“It is an extremely effective gateway out of smoking, but the gate does not open both ways.”

The sale of vaping devices and e-liquids to under 18's has been banned in the UK for several years, and with the full implementation of the TRPR earlier this year all online retailers must ensure they conduct proper age verification on all orders.

Public Health England believe that the UK Government is “broadly getting the balance right”.

Mr Marchant added: "Broadly speaking they are indeed. The regulations regarding age restriction and product standards are fantastic and help to protect the public.

“However they do need to urgently revise restrictions on bottle size and bring 0mg liquids under the regulations in order to curb the new tide of companies trying to circumnavigate the regulations for a quick buck.

“I hope they will work closely with us in the industry to ensure we have the most robust and effective regulations in the world."

For more information, visit: http://www.vapeclub.co.uk/

Photo courtesy of https://vaping360.com/