We are at present seeing an increased amount of interest in the electronic cigarette. The interest is, of course, largely amongst smokers. These fall into two groups: those who want to stop smoking, and those who wish to continue smoking, but in a safe way that is not subject to anti-smoking legislation. The electronic cigarette fulfils both these needs.

So, what are the benefits of electronic cigarettes?

First, there are over four thousand chemical substanses in tobacco smoke, many of them harmful. These include: benzene, tar, carbon monoxide, acetone and arsnic. The least harmful substance in tobacco smoke is nicotine, which is found in many natural products including tomatoes and tea. By comparison electronic cigarettes contain only nicotine, propylene glycol and water. In other words electronic cigarettes do not contain any of the harmful components of tobacco cigarettes. Note: propylene glycol is the substance used to produce "smoke" in theatres and film sets, and has long been considered safe in these areas.

As described above, nicotine is the least harmful component of tobacco smoke, however, it is the nicotine that smokers need to satisfy their craving. Electronic cigarettes satisfy the needs of smokers without any of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

Second, there is a general consensus that secondary smoking is harmful to those individuals who are in the proximity of tobacco smoke. This is not the case with electronic cigarettes as they do not contain any of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Further to this, electronic cigarettes do not impart any odour to clothing or upholstery. Clearly the electronic cigarette should be welcomed by both smokers and none smokers alike - they all benefit from a safe and odourless smoking alternative. No smoke, no smell and the smoker still gets the nicotine fix. Could there be a better alternative to smoking electronic cigarettes?

Third, did you know that smoking related fires are the largest cause of fire death in the UK? The anti-smoking charity ASH has been campaigning for some years for cigarette manufacturers to produce cigarettes that go out if not actively smoked. The manufacturers, however, continue to make cigarettes that burn right down to the tip, this increases their profits. The electronic cigarette is not a fire hazard as it has no burning parts. The nicotine, glycol, water mixture is vapourized at high temperatures, but this happens inside the atomizer that is protected within the body of the electronic cigarette. Therefore, in terms of fire hazard electronic cigarettes are completely safe.

Fourth, there are many nicotine replacement therapies available to smokers who want to quit the habit. These include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, etc., but the problem that many smokers experience with these products is that they are slow acting and can take up to one hour before they "kick in". By contrast the electronic cigarette gives the smoker the instant nicotine fix that they need, only much more safely. Further to this the smoker is still using the e-cigarette in the same way they would use a real cigarette, i.e., using their hands, making it a complete replacement therapy.

Fifth, for the smoker who does not want to quit electronic cigarettes offer all the advantages of the real thing without any of the dangers, and can be smoked anywhere. Stressful day at the office? Then you no longer need to go out in the cold for a quick fix.

Sixth, freedom of choice. The generally accepted rule is that we should be free to do what we like as long as it doesn't harm others. Electronic cigarettes harm no one and should be the product of choice for those who want to quit smoking and those who wish to continue smoking but in a safe way.