Electronic cigarettes are helping thousands of ex-smokers remain off cigarettes. They are a “promising tool” that help smokers quit, according to a study led by Boston University School of Public Health.

The study indicates that six-month abstinence rate is 31 percent among e-cigarette users, higher than traditional nicotine replacement products like nicotine patches or gum, which is 12 to 18 percent only.

An online survey of 222 first-time users of electronic cigarettes from a leading electronic cigarette distributor has been conducted.  Among those who were not smoking at six months, 34.3 percent reported not using electronic cigarettes or any nicotine-containing products. About 67 percent of respondents reported having reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked after using electronic cigarettes.

An expert explained that there is a link between the e-cigarette’s mimic of smoking with the success of quitting.  The devices simulate the smoking experience that appears to make them effective as a smoking cessation tool.

Having been introduced in the market more than three years ago, a number of anti-smoking groups have gone against them being sold.  They alleged that e-cigarettes have not been shown to be effective for smoking cessation. Several states, including New York, are considering banning e-cigarettes altogether.