Connecticut Advocate Pushes For Tougher E-Cigarette Regulations
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Connecticut lawmakers are being urged to impose tougher restrictions on electronic cigarettes and vapor products following a recent decision by federal authorities to subject them to the same federal restrictions as cigarettes.
Jennifer DeWitt, executive director of the Central Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council, suggested Wednesday that the General Assembly next year prohibit the use and sale of e-cigarettes to people under 21 years old.
She's also suggesting the legislature tax e-cigarettes and vapor products the same as tobacco products and restrict efforts to market the products to minors, such as banning flavors.
A state law passed last year restricts where these products can be used. It also required the Public Health Committee to meet within 30 days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's determination on May 5.
Under the new FDA guidelines, e-cigarette sales to minors are limited and new health warnings are required. In a move vigorously opposed by manufacturers, the agency said manufacturers would have to seek permission to remain on the market under a multi-tiered system. Those that don't submit the required information could have their products taken off the market.
The ruling go into effect in 90 days.
The action comes as e-cigarette use is on the rise among young Americans. In 2015, 3 million middle school and high school students used the devices.
Some people use e-cigarettes thinking they're a healthy alternative to regular cigarettes, but the possible health benefits and harms of e-cigarettes remain unclear. It's also unknown whether they lead young people to become regular smokers.
The head of the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association called the FDA ruling unfortunate, saying it will force 9 million Americans back to tobacco cigarettes.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
