Regulations and policies regarding e‐cigarettes

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a growing public health concern because of a dramatic increase in use by adolescents and the uncertainty of potential health impacts. These health concerns and lack of an established federal regulatory scheme have led many local and state governments to address the regulatory void for e-cigarettes by incorporating them into the statutory definition of tobacco or by passing laws specific to the use of e-cigarettes. In August 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule deeming e-cigarettes within their authority; providing uniform requirements like premarket approval applications, Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents reporting, and warning labels; and establishing 18 years as a minimum age of purchase. Although the impact on the public's health remains uncertain, regulations and laws governing e-cigarettes continue to develop. This review highlights the available data regarding safety and public health impacts of e-cigarettes and details the status of US regulations and policies affecting their sale and use. Cancer 2017;123:3007-14. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Risky business: a longitudinal study examining cigarette smoking initiation among susceptible and non-susceptible e-cigarette users in Canada

“…The findings from this study hold important implications at a time when regulation surrounding the sales and promotion of e-cigarettes is either being tabled or passed in various jurisdictions. 36 For instance, within Canada, Bill S-5 will aim to regulate the manufacturing, sale, labelling and promotion of e-cigarettes. Some of the measures within this Bill include banning the sale of vaping products to Canadians under the age of 18, restricting the promotion of flavours that are appealing among youth populations (eg, dessert flavours) and limiting promotional activities that would be considered appealing to youth.…”

Immunological and toxicological risk assessment of e-cigarettes

“…Under the current regulations, the US FDA will have the authority to review the design, nicotine content, delivery, voltage and formulations of all ENDS and flavoured tobacco products that have not yet been released onto the market. This legislation is intended to result in the evaluation and communication of all e-liquid ingredients and their potential risks [52,53]. However, there is recent speculation that a United States House of Representatives bill might weaken the controls imposed by the US FDA and exempt the e-cigs from the tobacco regulations [54], a move that would be welcomed by e-cig manufacturers.…”

The long-term supply of tobacco and nicotine: some goals, principles and policy implications

“…Protect children and young people by minimising their access and exposure to all tobacco36 and nicotine delivery products 16 30. Governments have a duty to protect children from tobacco,37 and this is in line with the commitments of nearly all governments to the FCTC.…”

“…The underlying principles for policy change are often implied rather than explicit, and are seldom set out in detail 1 2 15–18. Removing profit incentives from tobacco and nicotine retailing has had little coverage, even though this approach could transform the tobacco supply market 1 2.…”