The World Health Organization and local health departments are calling for stricter regulations on the use of electronic cigarettes.

In a report released Tuesday, the UN agency called on governments to implement tougher rules which include banning the sale of the devices to minors and prohibiting their use indoors and in public places.

Electronic cigarettes are marketed by manufactures as an aid to help quit smoking. It’s a $3 billion business, but some health experts argue regulations must be put in place to prohibit unproven health claims about the devices.  

“We don’t know what the risks and reward is of the cigarettes and until we do, we need regulations in place,” said Leslie Gordon with the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

Brett Coleman manages a store in Barrie that sells the devices and will only sell to people 18 or older.

E-cigarettes that contain nicotine, despite being illegal in Canada, are very easy to get in any town or city, and even easier to get online. According to the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit 15 per cent of high school students have already used e-cigarettes.

“They`re being sold everywhere, there's no regulation so unfortunately people can get them wherever they want. They are being sold in piña colada flavor and smart candy flavors. You name it they're being sold in something that's attractive to youth,`` said Gordon.

Currently it’s up to individual bars and restaurants to decide if they allow people to use the devices indoors.