Introduction

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The French are doing it. Some Hollywood celebrities have embraced it. And the Times reported recently that “vaping” is picking up steam in trendy clubs and restaurants.

Is it time to consider electronic cigarettes, which resemble the real thing but are tobacco-free, battery-operated devices that vaporize nicotine solutions, relatively safe ways to help smokers quit? Or will they simply prolong addiction? How should they be regulated, if at all?