PARIS: Health experts fearing a clampdown on e-cigarettes said Friday a UN report on the device had exaggerated their health risk and underplayed their role as a safe alternative to tobacco.
The August 26 report by the UN’s World Health Organisation (WHO) said governments should ban the sale of so-called electronic cigarettes to minors, warning they posed a “serious threat” to unborn babies and young people.
The WHO report, to be considered at a global meeting on tobacco control this year, also said e-cigs should be banned from indoor public spaces. But tobacco specialists, writing in the journal Addiction on Friday, said the report was flawed. They said it was rooted in a bigger WHO-commissioned probe, the Background Paper on E-cigarettes, which they accused of bias and error.
“We were surprised by the negativity of the commissioned review, and found it misleading and not an accurate reflection of available evidence,” said Ann McNeill, a professor at the National Addiction Centre at King’s College London.
E-cigarettes work by vaporizing a liquid called propylene glycol, to which nicotine and flavoring have been added. The vapour is inhaled, like traditional cigarettes, but produces vapor instead of smoke.
The gadgets have been a huge hit with young people, who form part of a snowballing market worth about $3 billion (2.3 billion euros) annually, with more than 400 brands of flavours.
Supporters of e-cigs say the devices are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco, whose bouquet of toxic chemicals and gases cause cancer, heart disease, strokes and other ailments.
Opponents say the devices have only been around for a few years, and the long-term health impact from inhaling their industrial vapour is unclear.
The WHO report acknowledged that e-cigarettes were “likely to be less toxic” than conventional cigarettes, but more research was needed.
It also fretted that the proliferation of sweet flavours would become a “gateway to nicotine addiction” for the young.
The debate is unfolding as many governments are under pressure to impose regulations on e-cigs. At the moment, the worldwide situation is a patchwork, ranging from complete freedom of sale to bans on sales to minors or of e-cigs that contain nicotine.
The WHO failed “to acknowledge that e-cigarettes are not just less harmful than tobacco cigarettes but (also) that the concentrations of toxins are mostly a tiny fraction of what is found in cigarette smoke,” the authors of Friday’s commentary said.
UN report on e-cigarettes is flawed, say critics
UN report on e-cigarettes is flawed, say critics
Where We Are Going Today: Jackie Restaurant in Riyadh
- For mains, the wagyu burger was the table’s winner, juicy and well-seasoned with a soft bun that held everything together without falling apart
Jackie Restaurant at the St. Regis in Via Riyadh is one of those places that immediately gives you the sense that you are in for a well-curated evening. The setting feels polished and modern, with warm lighting and a lively atmosphere that would work well for a relaxed dinner or a more celebratory night out.
I visited on a busy evening, yet the service remained smooth. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth and walked us through the menu. Their suggestions felt natural, not rehearsed, which made choosing easier. Jackie clearly puts effort into both flavor and presentation, and that becomes obvious once the food arrives.
We started with the tuna tartare, which was fresh, bright, and layered with citrus notes that kept it light. The truffle fries were another early favorite, crisp and fragrant with just enough truffle to elevate without overwhelming. The burrata with roasted tomatoes was also a standout, creamy and balanced with a sweet acidity from the slow-roasted tomatoes.
For mains, the wagyu burger was the table’s winner, juicy and well-seasoned with a soft bun that held everything together without falling apart. The black truffle pasta was rich and aromatic, though slightly heavier than expected. The grilled sea bass offered a cleaner, more delicate option and was cooked to a perfect flaky texture.
Dessert was a highlight, especially the chocolate fondant. It arrived warm, with a molten center and a scoop of vanilla ice cream that tied everything together. The lemon tart was another pleasant surprise, sharp enough to contrast the richer dishes.
If there is one drawback, it would be the pricing. While the quality is strong, some dishes, such as the truffle pasta, feel a bit too expensive for what they offer. It makes Jackie feel more like an occasional treat rather than a weekly spot.
Overall, with good service, memorable dishes, and a refined atmosphere, it is easy to see why Jackie has become a popular choice.
