Should E-Cigarettes Be Regulated?
For One Line Monday, the Flakes want to know: "Should the federal government regulate electronic cigarettes like other tobacco products?"
We've heard arguments on both sides. Yes, e-cigs do help people quit smoking. But even if they are a less destructive option, they still contain nicotine. And right now, anybody can buy e-cigs. Legally, a 10 year old can walk into a store and purchase an addictive product. Which begs the question, are we actually preventing addiction or encouraging it?
And the makers of e-cigs are definitely targeting a younger market. Use of e-cigs among people ages 18 to 34 was up 22% last year. Analysts project that sales of e-cigs will rise by another 240% this year. Critics claim that by marketing flavors like "Captain Crunch" and "Bubblegum", more young people will be exposed to a potentially dangerous product.
Then there's the matter of of using e-cigs in public places. Even if there's no risk of second hand smoke, are we promoting smoking when we allow it indoors? For non-smokers, does the sight of someone using an e-cig in public bother you?
Feel free to share your opinions. Send your comments to flakes103@yahoo.com.