Smokers should "know exactly what they're inhaling," says Atlanta internist Sandra Fryhofer, MD
Federal regulators think that people who use electronic cigarettes do not have a desire to have them regulated. But recent studies show there is very strong support for the regulation of these products. Regulation means more testing can be done to ensure they are safe.
There was a study conducted by the C.S, Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan Department of pediatrics and communicable disease, along with the University of Michigan Child health evaluation and research.
It showed that 85% of adults who currently use tobacco products and electronic cigarettes definitely want to prohibit the sale of such products to minors. More than 82% of adults are in support of FDA regulation of electronic cigarettes. 69% support prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in indoor places and working environments.
At first this support may not make sense, because one of the positives of using electronic cigarettes is they do not give off any secondhand smoke. People around a person using an electronic cigarette are not putting themselves at risk in any kind of way.
The harmful chemicals and toxins found in regular cigarettes are not present in electronic cigarettes. So why the strong support for regulation on using them in workplaces and indoors?
The reality is that any kind of smoke to some people is considered offensive. And seeing as how the FDA has not truly regulated electronic cigarettes it is not 100% certain that the vapor given off by them is completely safe.
The Food and Drug Administration has told the Electronic Cigarette Association that they plan to regulate electronic cigarettes and associated products so they can make sure they are safe. Right now there’s research to show that the “e cigarette smoke” is less dangerous than regular secondhand smoke, but more research is still needed.
