On August 24, 2014 the American Heart Association (AHA) released a statement outlining the agency’s position on e-cigarettes. It supports any regulations or laws that “prohibit the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to youth.”
It recognizes how popular the product has become to the nation’s youth, especially with the marketing of flavored e-cigarettes. So far, 22 states have e-cigarette access laws and 6 other states have established laws for “tobacco-derived or nicotine-containing products.”
The AHA does state that the use of an e-cigarette “presents an opportunity for harm reduction if smokers use them as substitutes for cigarettes.”
It agrees with the FDA’s call for regulations of e-cigarettes and states, “The regulation should allow for quality-controlled products for adults who want to transition from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes or to quit or reduce smoking.”
Right now, it is not clear exactly what risks e-cigarettes pose to users, but according to CNN, a study published in 2013 found that nicotine in regular cigarettes and even in the electronic versions “may” contribute to heart disease.
Data released in April 2014 showed that more reports of e-cigarette-related complaints have been reported over the last year. Some of those included:
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Nose bleeds
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Allergic reactions
• Cardiovascular problems such as chest pain
E-cigarettes come with a battery-operated cartridge that releases a vapor when heated, also known as “vaping.” Right now there are about 450 brands available on the market.
WHO calls for More Regulations on E-Cigarettes
The World Health Organization (WHO) is requesting more regulations for e-cigarettes including banning the use of the product indoors. E-cigarette manufacturers tout their products as a tool for smokers to use to quit smoking, but the WHO said there is no evidence to show that is true.
Regulations for e-cigarettes are expected to be discussed at a meeting in October.
