Hong Kong still plans e-cigarette ban despite new UK study claiming they're 95% less harmful than tobacco

The local health authority is determined to press on with a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes in the city despite a recent British study suggesting their vapours are around 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco, the South China Morning Post has learned.

The study by Public Health England, an agency of Britain's Department of Health, concluded that most of the chemicals causing smoking-related diseases were absent in e-cigarettes and they should be promoted as a means to help smokers quit.

The findings contradict a 2014 report by the World Health Organisation recommending strict regulation of e-cigarettes and bans on their indoor use and sale to minors.

According to the Food and Health Bureau, plans remain in place to proceed with a proposed ban on e-cigarette sales sometime this year. Health officials believe e-cigarette manufacturers target young people and market their products as trend-setting.

But Asian Vape Association, formed by five major e-cigarette companies in the city, heralded the British report as a major turning point and urged the government to consider regulating the ingredients of the vapour instead of banning their products outright.

"The report proves that electronic cigarettes are indeed an effective tool for harm reduction," said Nav Lalji, founder and chairman of the association.