Pixabay Images

Pixabay Images

Teenagers who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to smoke tobacco, new research suggests.

The findings, based on more a study of more than 3,000 15-year-olds in the US, last night fuelled a bitter row about whether the devices can provide a ‘gateway’ to smoking.

Many public health experts are keen to promote e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid.

But others stress that the devices are too often marketed as a lifestyle accessory – and some believe they can even promote smoking among the young.

– Ben Spencer

Read more: E-cigarettes ARE a gateway to smoking: Experts suggest high usage leads to teenagers ‘to take up the real thing’