News outlets report on a letter from more than 50 scientists urging the WHO to resist classifying e-cigarettes as tobacco products.

Agence France-Presse: Ahead of No Tobacco Day, doctors oppose ban on e-cigarettes
“The e-cigarette was pushed center stage ahead of World No Tobacco Day, with doctors and policy experts urging the U.N.’s health agency to embrace the gadget as a life saver…” (Le Roux, 5/29).

BBC News: ‘Resist urge to control e-cigarettes,’ WHO told
“A letter signed by more than 50 researchers and public health specialists is urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to ‘resist the urge to control and suppress e-cigarettes.’ The letter says the devices — which deliver nicotine in a vapor — could be a ‘significant health innovation’…” (Dreaper, 5/29).

Reuters: Top scientists warn WHO not to stub out e-cigarettes
“A group of 53 leading scientists has warned the World Health Organization not to classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products, arguing that doing so would jeopardize a major opportunity to slash disease and deaths caused by smoking. The U.N. agency, which is currently assessing its position on the matter, has previously indicated it would favor applying similar restrictions to all nicotine-containing products…” (Hirschler, 5/29).