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Accused by some experts of needlessly delaying scientific study of electronic cigarettes, Health Canada is meanwhile planning to dispatch teams of secret shoppers to test how willing stores are to sell the devices to young people.

[np_storybar title=”Ottawa delaying studies to determine if e-cigarettes are a safe alternative for smokers, researchers say” link=”http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/16/ottawa-delaying-studies-to-determine-if-e-cigarettes-are-a-safe-alternative-for-smokers-researchers-say/”]

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As debate rages about the merits of e-cigarettes, the federal government has effectively stymied scientific studies that could answer whether the devices are a life-saving alternative to tobacco — or a potential magnet drawing more people to smoking, researchers say.

Scientists need Health Canada’s green light for studies because nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are currently outlawed.