New Federal Rules for E-Cigarettes
By: Cohen, Placitella & Roth @ Jun 20, 2016
How electronic cigarettes, or less formally – e-cigs, should be regulated has been a hotly debated topic amongst both state and federal legislators. In May of 2016, the federal government announced new rules regarding the cigarettes, which are likely to have a large impact in Pennsylvania and Michigan, the two states in the nation that currently have no age limit for the purchase of e-cigs. The full story can be found in a May article in Philly.com.
New Federal Regulations for E-Cigs
The new federal rules will do a couple of big things: First, the rules ban sales of e-cigarettes to minors under age 18, and second, the feds are also going to be requiring safety reviews for vaping (the term used instead of smoking) products.
For years, the regulations have been delayed thanks to pressure from e-cigarette advocates who claims that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking, and that the devices are even helping in putting an end to big tobacco.
Are E-Cigarettes Safe?
While e-cig advocates claim that the cigarettes are a much safer alternative to regular smoking, and that these cigarettes do not cause cancer, too little is known about the cigarettes to confidently make that claim. In fact, as early as 2009 the FDA published a press announcement stating that people should be aware of the risks of e-cigarettes, and that the cigarettes do indeed contain carcinogens, toxic chemicals, nicotine, and other chemicals. This would lead one to believe that the cigarettes are anything but safe. And let’s not forget the multiple cases of exploding e-cigarettes, which left some victims with permanent injuries and scarring. In fact, there has even been death reported following the ingestion of liquid nicotine (which is found in e-cigarettes).
As such, many are praising the new rules that will ban minors from purchasing the cigarettes and more tightly regulate vaping products. This is especially true in light of the fact that the use of e-cigarettes is particularly prevalent – and on the rise – amongst minors. In fact, more than 15 percent of high school students report using e-cigarettes, and increase of more than 900 percent over the last five years.
Dangerous Products and Your Health – What to Do If You Are Harmed
There have been countless lawsuits filed against “big tobacco” in America, with plaintiffs alleging that the tobacco companies knew of health hazards associated with smoking, yet failed to warn consumers of these risks. Many of these lawsuits have been successful.
The manufacturers of e-cigarettes may find themselves in a similar (sinking) boat in coming years; their products have already, and may indeed in the future, cause harm to consumers. If you believe that you have suffered harm from a defective product that you may have a strict liability products liability case. To learn more about your rights under the law, contact our talented Philadelphia defective products attorneys at the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. to request a free case consultation.
