FDA imposing new rules on e-cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration is preparing new rules that opponents say could put the growing vaping industry out of business. A local toxicologist, however, says regulation is needed because e-cigarette users have no way of knowing what’s inside the nicotine liquids used in the devices.

“It’s not like you go to Walgreens or CVS and it’s made by a reputable drug company or something. It could be made by anyone,” said Dr. Frank Lovecchio with the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center.

The rules currently being considered would ban the sale of vaping devices to those under 18, and impose standards similar to those that apply to tobacco products. Warning labels will be required for products containing nicotine. Lovecchio said recently that he’s concerned that many nicotine liquids are sold with sweet flavoring that could appeal to children. He added that the ingredients in some products are known hazards.

Lovecchio said recently he’s concerned that many nicotine liquids are sold with sweet flavoring that could appeal to children. He added that the ingredients in some products are known hazards.

“There’s products that they put in there that are very similar to anti-freeze in some, and there’s other things that are used as preservatives that are heavy metals,” he said. “Some heavy metals are associated with kidney disease or peripheral neuropathy where you can’t feel your extremities all that well.”

Some opponents of the rules have claimed that vaping is safer than smoking and that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking tobacco. They say the new rules could lead to higher prices and could destroy the nascent industry.