Markey: Dramatic Rise in E-Cigarette Calls to Poison Centers Demands Action

Statement

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement today after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced new findings revealing poison control centers reported a massive increase in calls involving e-cigarette poisonings, from one per month in September 2010 to 215 per month in February 2014. A previous CDC study found that e-cigarette experimentation doubled among middle and high school students between 2011 and 2012, with nearly two million youth trying the products in 2012.

"This new CDC study highlights the poison potential of e-cigarettes and their nicotine cartridges. The colors and flavors of these nicotine liquids appeal to young children and can result in disastrous effects when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Unlike traditional cigarettes and tobacco products, these novelty nicotine products are not subject to federal regulations that prohibit sale to minors, restrict marketing to youth, ban products in candy and fruit flavors, and regulate manufacturing practices and ingredients. E-cigarettes and other non-traditional nicotine delivery products are a rising public health concern that needs to be addressed immediately. It's time for the FDA to step in and stop the sale of these candy-flavored poisons, especially to our children."

In February, Senator Markey joined Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in introducing the "Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act", which would prohibit the marketing of e-cigarettes to children and teens.

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