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E-Cigs 'As Dangerous As Tobacco' In Pregnancy

E-Cigs 'As Dangerous As Tobacco' In Pregnancy

Using e-cigarettes while pregnant may be as harmful for a woman's baby as smoking tobacco, scientists have warned.

A new study suggests the vapour emitted from e-cigarettes could affect a baby's co-ordination, memory and learning skills in later life.

It has also been linked to a heightened risk of learning difficulties or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - just like with babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke in the womb.

"Women may be turning to e-cigarettes as an alternative because they think they're safe. Well, they're not," said Professor Judith Zelikoff, from New York University's department of environmental science.

Her study is the latest to question the assumption that e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative for smokers who lack willpower to quit.

During the research, pregnant mice were also exposed to e-cigarette vapour without nicotine - and even these chemicals appeared to be of greater detriment to developing nervous systems than the tobacco compound.

"What people don't realise is that even without nicotine there are many things that are given off when you heat up and vaporise these products," Prof Zelikoff explained.

In response to the findings, the British Fertility Society has said it may be best for women to "avoid all kinds of smoking" during their pregnancy.

The society's chairman, Professor Adam Balen, said: "Whilst e-cigarettes may help some people to stop smoking real cigarettes, one cannot escape the reality that various chemicals are still being inhaled that have potentially harmful effects both to health, fertility and also the non-consenting participant - that is the baby."

However, the findings appear at odds with Public Health England's official stance on e-cigarettes.

In August, the Government body published an independent review which concluded e-cigarettes are about 95% less harmful than smoking.