POLL: Should the Federal Government Regulate E-Cigarettes?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced recently that it would propose new regulations on electronic cigarettes, including a ban on the use of the devices by anyone under age 18. 

The rules would require e-cigarette producers to place warning labels on their products and to disclose their ingredients, manufacturing processes and other data. The proposed regulations also would apply to cigars, pipe tobacco and nicotine gel.

Nearly 4 million Americans use e-cigarettes, including many young people. You’ve probably seen these vaporous plastic or metal tubes around town — they're usually battery-operated and mimic regular cigarettes by vaporizing a nicotine-laced liquid that users inhale. 

Although half of U.S. states have prohibited selling them to minors, the FDA’s regulations are the first proposed at the federal level.

Many e-smoking advocates find the charges being leveled against e-cigarettes to be "puzzling," claiming that the scientific evidence yet exists proving they're harmful. Still, public health officials remain concerned about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes. 

Some of their worries include:

-E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive
-They include traces of the main ingredient found in antifreeze
-While conventional cigarettes contain 11,000 contaminates, e-cigarettes have about nine

There is also concern because e-cigarette producers can market however they want, to whomever they want — including kids. Child health advocates argue e-cigarette producers target kids by offering colorful varieties in fruity flavors. The question of regulating e-cigarette advertising to protect minors harkens back to regular cigarette advertising rules, but the FDA’s new regulations don’t address that.

Mitchell Zeller, head of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, and FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg told National Public Radio the agency would determine whether that step would need to be taken next.

Despite that, advocates and opponents of the regulations alike are applauding the FDA for providing more transparency. After all, this way, young people will be protected, adults who vape will know their risks, and companies will be held accountable.  

Please let us know in our poll and/or in the comments: Is the FDA taking the right steps because e-cigarettes are dangerous and should be off-limits to kids? Or should the federal government stay away from the issue?