Congressional Report Presses for E-Cigarette Rules

FDA planned to regulate e-cigs in 2011 but so far hasn't done so

A new congressional report says concerns about electronic cigarettes underscore the need to regulate the fast-growing industry.

The report released Monday highlights several issues including an array of flavors and marketing that could appeal to young people, the lack of age restrictions and no uniform warning labels.

It was written by the staff of Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, California Rep. Henry Waxman and others.

"From candy flavors to rock concert sponsorships, every single company surveyed in this report has employed a marketing strategy that appears to target youth," said Durbin. "For years, federal regulations prohibiting tobacco companies from targeting young people have helped to protect a new generation of smokers from getting hooked on nicotine. Now, we must close this new gateway to addiction to protect our children."

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a nicotine solution and create vapor that's inhaled.

A 2009 law gave the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco products. The agency first said it planned to assert authority over e-cigarettes in 2011 but has yet to do so.

The proposed FDA regulation was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review in October.

The City of Chicago in January passed a measure treating e-cigarettes like many other tobacco products, limiting how the devices can be sold and where they can be used.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
 

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