Physicians divided on benefits and risks.

• Position: E-Cigarettes

Perceptions of the harms and benefits of e-cigarettes vary among lung health professionals, suggests a survey given at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians. More than two-thirds of the respondents perceive e-cigarettes to be harmful. Opinion is split evenly about whether e-cigarettes effectively promote smoking cessation.

While most respondents reported that their patients asked for a professional opinion about e-cigarettes, many providers said they are not comfortable discussing health effects of these products.

"The survey illustrates that patients are seeking professional advice regarding e-cigarette use, but there is no consensus on the harms...