New York

WHEN Marty Weinstein decided to quit smoking, he took a friend's advice and tried electronic cigarettes rather than government-approved nicotine replacement products.

Mr Weinstein, 58, has gone from a pack a day nine months ago to the equivalent in nicotine of four or five cigarettes. The e-cigs have a familiar look and feel, and quench his desire to hold on to a cigarette and puff. "I fully understand I'm still addicted to nicotine," said Mr Weinstein, a Connecticut taxi driver who had smoked for over 20 years.