WTVO: U.S. lawmakers aim to stop "kid-friendly" flavors in e-cigarettes
Legislators reintroduced a bill on Tuesday that would crack down on kid-friendly flavorings in e-cigarettes and cigars.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGett and Jamie Raskin introduced the Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Act.
“Ask any teacher, parent, or public health expert: E-cigarette use among America’s youth is officially an epidemic. These products have spread throughout our communities, and their popularity among children is due to one factor: flavors that are intentionally meant to appeal to kids, like cotton candy, kool-aid grape, gummy bear, and fruity hoops,” Durbin said
“These products contain a high concentration of nicotine which creates the potential for yet another generation to be addicted and also have adverse effects on an adolescent’s brain, lungs, and overall health. As we continue our efforts to create a tobacco-free future, I’m proud to reintroduce legislation to help prevent kids from using and ultimately becoming addicted to these unhealthy products,” said Murkowski.
The bill would restrict e-cigarette products, but allow manufacturers one year to prove to the FDA that their flavors meet three criteria:
1. Help adults quit smoking cigarettes,
2. Do not increase youth initiation of nicotine or tobacco products
3. Do not increase the risk of harm to the person using the flavor.
The bill would also prohibit flavors in cigars altogether.
Source: WTVO
