E-cigarette uptake and marketing: A report commissioned by Public Health England

Abstract

E-cigarettes are increasingly popular in a number of countries including the UK. However, they currently pose a number of challenges for public health. First, there are concerns about the extent and nature of the e-cigarette market. In particular, the role of the tobacco industry in manufacturing and promoting e-cigarettes, while continuing to sell conventional cigarettes, has been questioned. Secondly, there is a need to understand the extent to which children and young people may use e-cigarettes, particularly those who are current non smokers. Linked to this is a concern about the current marketing of these products and whether that marketing may appeal to children. Each of these issues is explored here, drawing on available published articles and reports.