Strict Vape Regulation Is Urgently Needed

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration once again moved to strengthen oversight of vaping devices and other types of tobacco products.

Tobacco Controls Will Become Even Stricter

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed and called for strict regulation of vaping devices, cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine gels, hookahs, and shisha. After a 75-day public comment period, these proposals will be finalized. The legal age for purchasing tobacco products is expected to be raised to at least 18, although some states intend to set it even higher.

The FDA requires cigarette manufacturers to register all products they make, along with their formulas. Only after review may manufacturers sell new products. At the same time, cigarette manufacturers must provide scientific evidence showing the direct or potential risks associated with using these products. The FDA also does not allow tobacco companies to provide consumers with free tobacco samples.

After the public comment period ends, once the proposed rule is finalized, cigarette manufacturers may submit applications within 24 months to request authorization to market their products or to file applications for new products.

The Pros and Cons Still Require Further Study

Vaping devices release nicotine vapor. They are usually equipped with a battery and contain a replaceable cartridge filled with liquid nicotine. When the cartridge is heated, the liquid nicotine turns into vapor and is inhaled.

Most vaping devices look very much like cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, though some resemble pens. Because comprehensive research has not yet been conducted, the FDA says it is still unclear what health risks vaping devices may pose.

As vaping devices become increasingly popular, the number of calls to U.S. poison control centers has also risen. According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poison control centers handled 215 calls involving vaping devices in February 2014. Of those calls, 51% involved teenagers.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said: “The number of calls to poison control centers is concerning, indicating that young people have begun to embrace vaping devices, especially flavored ones.” Hamburg said the FDA does not even know how many different types of vaping devices are on the market, making regulation necessary.

Miguel Martin, president of Logic Technology, said he was greatly encouraged by the FDA’s push for strict controls on vaping devices.

Martin said: “We want to be part of this process, and we believe that science-based, responsible regulations will benefit not only adult consumers, but also responsible vaping device manufacturers.”

Logic Technology was formally established in 2010. It currently sells nine products, including both disposable and rechargeable vaping devices, but no flavored nicotine products. A year ago, the company implemented some controls similar to those proposed by the FDA.