e-cigarettes can potentially double a smoker's chances of quitting. The Health Watchdog has been looking into the most effective ways of kicking the habit.
HIQA is carrying out an assessment into the success and cost-effectiveness of ways to give up cigarettes, and is now asking the public what therapies have worked for them.
It's the first time that e-cigarettes are being considered as a viable option by Irish health bosses. They're still unregulated and the long-term health effects are unknown.
The ideal solution apparently needs to be safe, reliable and affordable. Current therapies on offer include nicotine replacements and counselling.
HIQA's Dr Máirín Ryan says they are going to consider vaping for the first time, despite health fears. "What we do know about e-cigarettes is that they are likely to be safer than cigarette smoke because there is no combustion and there is no exposure to many of the toxins and the carcinogenic chemicals that you find in tobacco."
"However, the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are unknown at this stage", she warned.
