Last year, New York State decided that better packaging would be required for the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes, and the Attorney General has finally reached a settlement with four of the companies who produce that liquid.
Although parents and legislators are often quick to acknowledge the risks of e-cigarettes, many e-cig companies and liquid refill manufacturers have stated that not all e-cigarette products are as dangerous as they seem; furthermore, many companies have already taken steps to ensure that their products aren’t marketed toward younger audiences.
Several liquid nicotine manufacturers already use child-proof containers, CBS News reported. Additionally, it’s important to note that not all vaporizer liquid has nicotine in it; many flavored liquids are 0% nicotine and are consumed because the act of smoking — regardless of nicotine content — helps smokers “trick” their bodies into decreasing their dependence on the drug.
However, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has found that one of these companies failed to secure the potentially toxic substance in child-resistant packaging. Last year, the state passed a law requiring liquid nicotine retailers to use secure packaging, after it was linked to the death of an 18-month-old boy in New York.
Poison control centers nationwide say that they receive hundreds of calls about children coming in contact with the nicotine, which can lead to serious illness or death if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, health officials say.
Many other states are now following suit, and the sale and marketing of cigarettes may see more regulations soon. Though there remain numerous health concerns surrounding e-cigarettes, regulation on their marketing has been left mostly unregulated. In addition to Schneiderman, 29 other attorneys general are calling on the Food and Drug Administration to restrict e-cigarette marketing by not allowing the devices to be sold to minors, and by banning flavored options.
“Today, we are taking action against four companies, and putting others on notice: Stop selling liquid nicotine in anything but child-resistant containers, or we will come after you,” Schneiderman said.
