“Tobacco Amnesty” sees hundreds of smokers ditch cigarettes for electronic, healthier alternative

 A ‘Tobacco Amnesty’ supported by famous TV doctor Hilary Jones (PCTURED) saw hundreds of smokers ditch their old ciggies in favour of healthier E-Lites electronic cigarettes.

The pioneering initiative happened took on World No Tobacco Day at London's Liverpool Street Station. Commuters were given the opportunity to try smoking without tobacco or tar by binning their old cigarettes in exchange for one of E-Lites’ revolutionary new disposable electronic cigarettes.

E-Lites replicate the smoking experience with a realistic-looking device that turns a pure nicotine solution into a vapour that is inhaled just like a cigarette.

E-Lites director Adrian Everett explains: “The response on the day was astounding. Far beyond our best expectations. People were fascinated to find that there’s a credible alternative to real cigarettes that is healthier, cheaper and unrestricted for use in public places.

“The interest in our Tobacco Amnesty proves beyond doubt that smokers who are struggling to stop, or simply don’t want to quit, are open to new ideas, and just as VHS videotapes have been overtaken by DVDs and digital downloads, we believe E-Lites will render cigarettes outdated before too long.”

Dr Hilary Jones, who was at Tobacco Amnesty to offer advice and encourage smokers to take part, said: "As a GP, I'm more aware than most of the detrimental health effects of smoking tobacco. I see the short-term and long-term effects and have lost far too many patients needlessly through chronic lung disease and heart disease caused by smoking.

“I've seen disabilities caused by amputations as a result of circulatory problems, again caused by smoking. Of course, we have NHS smoking cessation clinics, nicotine replacement therapy and various forms of medication available on prescription. (EDITOR: A much-loved uncle lost a leg due to his smoking, so there is a personal element to this story. If only electronic cigarettes had been available back then)

“Electronic cigarettes are another alternative for people who want to avoid the known carcinogenic effects and other by-products of smoking tobacco. I understand the addictive power of smoking and there are some people who like the hand-to-mouth habit and the inhalation of nicotine. If they can't quit completely, then this is a healthier option."

FACTFILE:

E-Lites (www.e-lites.co.uk) was established in the UK in 2007 and is already a leader in its field, producing some of the most advanced electronic cigarettes on the market. The company is expanding nationally and internationally as demand grows for its innovative products.

Its latest range of new-generation E-Lites includes the disposable device that was handed out at the recent Tobacco Amnesty. The product provides the equivalent of 40 cigarettes and is priced at £9.99.

Michael Ryan, one of the founding directors of E-Lites, is also chairman of the Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association (ECITA), a representative body which provides advice, guidelines and support to members, as well as working to ensure the correct regulatory framework is applied to such products. For more information, visit www.ecita.org.uk.