Members of congress are calling for increased regulations of e-cigarette marketing after a report on the rising use of e-cigarettes among adolescents, and the correlation between their use and traditional cigarettes.
Released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Aug. 25, the report showed that middle and high school students who have used e-cigarettes were more likely to express an interest in smoking conventional cigarettes than those who had not used e-cigarettes.
Previous scientific studies cited in the report support the claim that the intent to smoke cigarettes of any kind is a valid predictor of future tobacco use.
“This study is further evidence that the absence of federal regulation has resulted in an explosion of marketing for e-cigarettes, and the number of kids and young adults who want to try smoking them,” a statement issued by nine congressional members read. “Strong regulatory action on the marketing of e-cigarettes to children cannot wait.”
The joint statement was issued by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa; Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois; Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-California; Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-West Virginia; Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut; Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts; Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island; and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California.