Florida May Raise the Minimum Age For E-Cigarettes

While the national minimum age to purchase tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21 as of Dec. 20, 2019, the regulation of electronic cigarettes has continued to vary across states despite the fact that recent reports show disturbing rates of e-cigarette use among some of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. For example, results of the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey indicated that e-cigarette use—or “vaping”—increased at an alarming rate among middle and high school students in the span of just one year and included over 3.6 million kids who self-reported currently using e-cigarettes in 2018.

What is Florida Doing to Combat This Disturbing Trend?

Bay News 9 recently reported that Florida is poised to raise the minimum age for vaping to 21. The state Senate has joined the House in approving a measure that would also ban the sale of vapored nicotine products used in e-cigarettes and the legislation is now headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration. If passed, this measure would be an important step toward protecting the children and young adults who are engaging in this risky behavior.

Are E-Cigarettes Safe?

Though using e-cigarettes has been rapidly rising in popularity over the past few years, the true risks of vaping are just now becoming fully understood. And while e-cigarette advocates assert that it is safer than smoking cigarettes, an outbreak of deaths and lung injuries over the past several months that appear to be associated with e-cigarettes suggest otherwise. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have asserted that e-cigarettes have the potential to benefit adult smokers who are not pregnant if used as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products. However, the CDC has also stated very clearly that e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, and pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products.

What Can Parents Look Out For?

Importantly, parents should understand that lots of kids who would never pick up a regular cigarette have tried e-cigarettes. In addition to nicotine products, e-cigarettes can also be used to vape marijuana in what is perceived to be a low odor method that can be attractive to teenagers hoping to remain undetected by their parents. Therefore, parents should be aware of the signs of e-vaping to look out for which include:

• Finding random medal parts you don’t recognize
• Pens, thumb drives or other similarly shaped items that have discreet holes at either end
• Your child suddenly developing a tendency toward nosebleeds

Have You Been Injured By A Defective Product?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a defective e-cigarette, you should not hesitate to hold the responsible parties responsible. Product manufacturers have a duty to make items that are safe and effective and won’t injure you or those you love. When they fail to do so and this failure results in an accident, the manufacturer can be held financially responsible for the injuries that result. As the Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we have helped many other victims of tragic accidents and we offer you our compassion and expertise. Contact us today to begin.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Myers and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/2018-nyts-data-startling-rise-youth-e-cigarette-use