Claims made by the manufacturers of electronic or e-cigarettes regarding the safety of the product are being disputed by the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO).

Manufacturers often market e-cigarettes as aids to quit smoking, or as healthier alternatives to tobacco.

WHO disagrees with both claims.

It’s thought the industry is worth around $3 billion a year.

Dr Armando Peruga is Programme Manager of the Tobacco Free Initiative at WHO.

Patrick Maigua spoke with Dr. Peruga and began by asking him how e-cigarettes work.

Duration:  4'59"