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The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the regulation of electronic cigarettes, as well as bans on indoor use, advertising and sales to under-18s. In a new report, the WHO states that e-cigarette manufacturers should not be able to make health claims until they can provide €convincing supporting scientific evidence and obtain regulatory approval€. It also argues that the use of these devices should be prohibited in public and work places due to research that suggests that they can increase the background air levels of some toxicants.

In addition, it recommends a ban on sweet, fruit or alcohol flavoured e-cigarettes, which may appeal to youngsters or non-smokers, and calls for vending machines selling the devices to be removed from almost all locations. However, Hazel Cheeseman, director of policy and research at ASH said that while the charity supports e-cig regulation, it doesn't €support bringing electronic cigarettes under smoke-free legislation as there is no evidence of any harm to bystanders from use of these devices.€