Attorneys General Urge FDA to Regulate E-Cigarettes

          The National Association of Attorneys General says the FDA should regulate because the flavored electronic cigarette products that contain nicotine, the same highly addictive substance in tobacco cigarettes.
The letter, co-sponsored by Massachusetts Attorney Martha Coakley and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, states:

• There are no federal age restrictions that would prevent children from obtaining e-cigarettes.
• There are not advertising restrictions.  E-cigarettes are being advertised during prime-time television hours when many children are watching.
• The health affects of e-cigarettes have not been well studied and the ingredients aren't regulated.
• People believe e-cigs are a safe alternative to tobacco smoking - however, they are addictive if nicotine is used and can deliver strong doses of nicotine.

E-cigarettes are becoming more affordable and widely available as tobacco cigarettes become more expensive and less socially acceptable.

          The devices are metal or plastic battery-powered devices resembling traditional cigarettes that heat a liquid solution which may or may not contain nicotine, creating a vapor that users inhale. The nicotine is delivered without the chemicals, odor or tar of traditional cigarettes, which does make it safe for smokers who want to quit tobacco cigarettes. Smoking the e-cig is called "vaping."
The industry group, the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association, agrees that e-cigarettes should be regulated. The group represents dozens of companies manufacturing, distributing and selling the devices.

"We're in agreement with responsible restrictions on the marketing and sales of these products, including a ban on marketing aimed at children," Tom Kiklas, co-founder and chief financial officer for the group, told the Associated Press. "What I cringe at is when e-cigarettes get demonized."
          Many e-cigarette companies have a warning at the bottom of their website product pages that reads:
‘WARNING: This product is intended for use by persons 18 or older, and not by children, women who are pregnant or breast feeding, or persons with or at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or taking medicine for depression or asthma. If you have a demonstrated allergy or sensitivity to nicotine or any combination of inhalants, consult your physician before using this product. This product is sold purely for recreational purposes - it is not a smoking cessation product and has not been tested as such. You must be over the legal age in your state to buy or use this product. Nicotine is highly addictive and habit forming. Keep out of reach of children. This product contains Nicotine, a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.'
          E-cigarette advocates claims the products are less harmful than traditional tobacco products, offer a smoking alternative that is environmentally friendly, and helps tobacco smokers kick the habit. Boston University researchers agree—having found that chemicals in the e-cig vapor pose few health hazards.
The other states and territories joining the letter to the FDA, according to Coakley's office, are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, and Wyoming.
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