The FDA has released its long-awaited rules on e-cigarettes. The agency will require hundreds of brands to undergo federal review in order to stay on the market and will prohibit sale of the devices to anyone under 18.
Manufacturers of most e-cigarettes will have to meet federal health standards to stay on the market. FDA commissioner Dr. Robert Califf says, “the rule will also allow the agency to evaluate the ingredients in these additional tobacco products, how the products are made and their potential impact on public health.”
The rules require age to be verified by a photo ID and restrict the sale of e-cigarettes in vending machines to adult-only facilities.
The action comes as e-cigarette use is on the rise among young Americans. Last year, 3 million middle school and high school students used the devices.
Some people use e-cigarettes, thinking they’re a healthy alternative to traditional cigarettes. But the possible health benefits and harms of e-cigarettes remain unclear. It’s also unknown whether they lead young people to become regular smokers.
The ruling, which goes into effect in 90 days, could have huge repercussions on the $3.5 billion industry. The head of the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association called the FDA ruling unfortunate, saying it will force 9 million Americans back to tobacco cigarettes.
Just this week, the Allegheny County Board of Health instructed the health department to come up with a policy to ban the use e-cigarettes where regular tobacco products are prohibited. The department is now assessing how the FDA move will affect its new initiative.
Since July 2014, Philadelphia has prohibited electronic smoking in most public areas including workplaces, restaurants, bars, clubs, and stores, as well as childcare, daycare, schools, hospitals, common areas of apartment buildings and hotels, and at least 75% of hotel rooms.
