Health authorities huff and puff over 'e-cigarettes'

Health authorities are calling for a nationwide ban on 'e-cigarettes' until the full effect of their use is established.

The battery-powered devices produce flavoured vapour which is inhaled like an ordinary cigarette.

They are freely available in convenience stores, tobacconists and online, and there are concerns the sweet flavours and colourful packaging makes them appealing to children.

In Australia, e-cigarettes laced with nicotine are banned, but those without the addictive drug unregulated.

Distributors have defended the product, claiming it is a healthier alternative to smoking, but the long-term effects of inhaling some of the key ingredients has not been tested.