E-Cigarette Study Attracts National Attention
Since our study found underage minors can buy e-cigarettes online, a group of U.S. Senators have urged stronger tobacco and e-cigarette regulation. ITV study findings were cited in a letter by seven U.S. Senators urging federal action on electronic cigarettes. The study results were also covered in more than 85 media outlets.
The Study
ITV researchers conducted an experiment to test teens’ ability to purchase e-cigarettes from online vendors. The study participants were successful 93.5% of the time, demonstrating that minors can easily purchase e-cigarettes online even where state age restrictions exist. (Read summary) (Read full paper)
Senators’ Letter
Seven U.S. Senators including Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeffery Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell urging HHS to strengthen and finalize tobacco deeming regulations so that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has regulatory authority over all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The senators pressed Secretary Burwell to quickly finalize the rule, as further delay enables e-cigarette companies to continue their aggressive marketing techniques focused on attracting children as well as sell their products to minors.
The letter cites the ITV study, “Electronic Cigarette Sales to Minors via the Internet.” (Read press release) (Read full letter)
News Coverage
Our study on e-cigarettes was highlighted in more than 85 local and national news outlets.
USA Today: Teens can easily buy e-cigarettes online, study says
NBC Charlotte: Study: Minors can easily buy e-cigs online
TIME: It’s Really Easy for Teens to Buy E-Cigs Online
Reuters: U.S. minors easily buy e-cigarettes online: UNC study
The Herald-Sun: E-Cig Issues: Teens able to get around e-cig sale rules