Senators Urge HHS To Strengthen, Finalize Tobacco Deeming Regulations To Protect Children Against Harmful E-Cigarettes

Press Release

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeffery Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell urging HHS to strengthen and finalize tobacco deeming regulations so that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulatory authority over all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The Senators pressed Secretary Burwell to quickly finalize the rule, as further delay enables e-cigarette companies to continue their aggressive marketing techniques focused on attracting children as well as sell their products to minors.

"E-cigarette makers are dedicating extensive resources to reaching young people through social media, sponsorship of youth oriented events, and television and radio advertisements that reach substantial youth audiences. Children are responding to this outreach while regulation on the federal level awaits final action," the Senators wrote.

"A recent study revealed that teens were able to purchase e-cigarettes online in 94 percent of attempts, and none of the teens were required to show proof of age when the e-cigarettes were delivered. The final rule must recognize these methods for attracting children to tobacco products and ensure that sales of these products to minors are restricted."

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