There is no doubt about it: The numbers are grim.Studies are showing far more children are using electronic cigarettes than previously believed, and it really shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
Electronic cigarettes have surpassed traditional smoking in popularity among teens, the government's own findings are showing. Nearly 9 percent of eighth-graders said they'd used an e-cigarette in the previous month, while just 4 percent reported smoking a traditional
cigarette, according to the National Institutes of Health.
So far, so-called "e-cigarettes" have been able to skirt regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, but that could — and should — change soon.
The FDA is considering placing a ban on sales of e-cigarettes to minors, and manufacturers would have to register any such new products with the administration.
While e-cigarettes contain no tobacco, they heat a liquid into a vapor that's inhaled. The liquid contains nicotine as well as flavorings, such as chocolate and bubble gum. Such flavors are an obvious attraction to young children.
The FDA also has proposed prohibiting e-cigarettes from being sold in most vending machines and requiring manufacturers to disclose ingredients in their products.
