Abbie Sudduth
University of Arkansas, College of Education and Health Professions, Graduate Student
Background. As of November 15, 2013, 22 states had passed laws explicitly addressing youth access to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes); by 2014, this increased to 41 states. Also in 2014, more than 13.4% of youth in the U.S. reported... more
Background. As of November 15, 2013, 22 states had passed laws explicitly addressing youth access to electronic
cigarettes (e-cigarettes); by 2014, this increased to 41 states. Also in 2014, more than 13.4% of youth in the U.S. reported
using e-cigarettes, making e-cigarette use more prevalent than conventional cigarette use (9.2%).
Methods.We examined 221 bills addressing youth access and exposure to e-cigarettes between January 1 and
November 1, 2015. Text searches on individual state general assembly websites and secondary sources were
employed for data collection. Laws were analyzed using sevenmeasures identified to protect adolescents from nicotine
initiation and use.
Results. Two states (MI, PA) andWashington D.C. do not regulate the sale or distribution of e-cigarettes to youth
as of November 1, 2015. Additionally, seventeen states have passed laws requiring e-cigarettes to use child-safety
packaging to minimize unintended poisoning. As of July 1, 2016, four states (KS, LA, MN, and NC) will tax ecigarettes.
Oregon prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in cars with children under 18 years of age, and Wyoming requires
the public health department to develop educational campaigns to better educate the state on the risks of nicotine
and tobacco products.
Conclusion.While states are closing the gap of youth nicotine exposure, there remains a need to protect youth
frome-cigarettes access,which can cause adverse health effects of brain development, lung function and potentially
lead to addiction. Recommendation for the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes federally would close this regulation gap and
protect youth across the U.S.
cigarettes (e-cigarettes); by 2014, this increased to 41 states. Also in 2014, more than 13.4% of youth in the U.S. reported
using e-cigarettes, making e-cigarette use more prevalent than conventional cigarette use (9.2%).
Methods.We examined 221 bills addressing youth access and exposure to e-cigarettes between January 1 and
November 1, 2015. Text searches on individual state general assembly websites and secondary sources were
employed for data collection. Laws were analyzed using sevenmeasures identified to protect adolescents from nicotine
initiation and use.
Results. Two states (MI, PA) andWashington D.C. do not regulate the sale or distribution of e-cigarettes to youth
as of November 1, 2015. Additionally, seventeen states have passed laws requiring e-cigarettes to use child-safety
packaging to minimize unintended poisoning. As of July 1, 2016, four states (KS, LA, MN, and NC) will tax ecigarettes.
Oregon prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in cars with children under 18 years of age, and Wyoming requires
the public health department to develop educational campaigns to better educate the state on the risks of nicotine
and tobacco products.
Conclusion.While states are closing the gap of youth nicotine exposure, there remains a need to protect youth
frome-cigarettes access,which can cause adverse health effects of brain development, lung function and potentially
lead to addiction. Recommendation for the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes federally would close this regulation gap and
protect youth across the U.S.
