Electronic Cigarettes Spark Debate Among Lawmakers

Electronic cigarettes and the lack of federal regulations regarding them are continuing to spark debate among lawmakers from a number of states.

According to The Wall Street Journal, legislatures in more than half a dozen states have introduced laws that would stop the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. Proposed bills in Kentucky, Alabama, Utah, and Mississippi would extend public area smoking bans to include the devices. Other states have proposed prohibiting online sales and special taxes.

The new legislation comes amidst the rise in popularity for the battery-powered cigarettes, which vaporizes liquid that is laced with nicotine and allows the user to inhale it.

In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration warned that the devices may lead to health problems after laboratory analysis found toxic chemicals and carcinogens.

A recent incident involved an electronic cigarette exploding in a man’s face, which led to extensive injuries.

If you or a loved one has been harmed be an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you and represent your case.