E-cigarettes seen as ‘dangerous tobacco products’ by American Thoracic Society

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) has accused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of failing to take action on certain “dangerous tobacco products” such as “e-cigarettes and cigars.”

“The American Thoracic Society demands [the] FDA move forward to proposed rules to bring cigars, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products under FDA federal regulation,” the ATS said in a piece posted on its website’s newsroom.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released data showing that 1.78 million children have tried e-cigarettes. Like their traditional cigarette predecessors, e-cigarettes are addictive and have known adverse health effects. Also like their traditional cigarette predecessors, many e-cigarettes are being made with flavorings—such as grape, cherry and menthol—that are designed to appeal to children.

“Many cigar manufacturers are also making products intentionally designed to appeal to children. Candy-flavored cigars come in a wide range of flavors—chocolate, grape, apple, blueberry—and, priced at 99 cents per cigar or $1.99 for a pack of 3, are clearly within the price range of most kids.”

The ATS went on to say that “Big Tobacco” had escaped the candy-flavored cigarette ban by offering candy-flavored cigars.

“Big Tobacco has sought to escape smoking bans by creating smokeless e-cigarettes,” said the ATS.

“It is time for the FDA to use its authority.

“The ATS calls on the FDA to move quickly to issue public health-based regulations on cigars, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

“Further delay will mean more children getting hooked on these products and more tobacco-related death and disease.”

The full text is at http://www.newswise.com/articles/american-thoracic-society-urges-quick-fda-action-on-regulation-of-all-tobacco-products.