Rebecca S. Williams, MHS, PhD

Online E-Cigarette Vendors Follow Market Trends, Marketing Tactics Vary Widely

A previous study revealed that the number of Internet E-cigarette Vendors (IEVs) increased more than threefold between 2013 and 2014. In 2013, the research team identified 980 IEVs, surging to 3,096 IEVs over the course of a year. The researchers also discovered roughly two-thirds of vendors were using ineffective age verification strategies – or none […]

Before Regulations, Online E-Cigarette Vendors Expanded Rapidly

A new study reveals more than 3,000 vendors in 2014; most show lax age-verification practices despite laws prohibiting sale to minors. As the popularity of electronic cigarettes (known as e-cigarettes and vape pens) soars, concern has grown over potential health and safety risks associated with these devices and the nicotine-rich fluids they contain. A number […]

Investigating E-Cigarette Packaging (And Finding It Lacking)

As the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) industry continues to grow, minors are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than they are using cigarettes. To date, minimal regulation of the production and marketing of these products has allowed companies to ship e-cigarettes to minors and promote unsupported claims. In this study, researchers ordered e-cigarettes from online vendors and […]

Before Regulations, Online E-Cigarette Vendors Expanded Rapidly

A new study reveals more than 3,000 vendors in 2014; most show lax age-verification practices despite laws prohibiting sale to minors. As the popularity of electronic cigarettes (known as e-cigarettes and vape pens) soars, concern has grown over potential health and safety risks associated with these devices and the nicotine-rich fluids they contain. A number […]

Despite Regulation, Minors Can Still Buy Cigarettes Online

In a new study, online vendors shipped cigarettes to minors via the U.S. Postal Service. Many also advertised products banned in the United States. Many regulations seek to curtail youth access to cigarettes and discourage tobacco vendors from marketing their products to minors. These include federal age verification requirements, shipping regulations, and bans on certain […]

Reaction to Major FDA Regulatory Announcement

ITV study director Rebecca S. Williams, Ph.D., applauds the FDA’s decision to extend its authority over all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

Online E-Cigarette Vendors Follow Market Trends, Marketing Tactics Vary Widely

A previous study revealed that the number of Internet E-cigarette Vendors (IEVs) increased more than threefold between 2013 and 2014. In 2013, the research team identified 980 IEVs, surging to 3,096 IEVs over the course of a year. The researchers also discovered roughly two-thirds of vendors were using ineffective age verification strategies – or none […]

Little Cigar and Cigarillo Sales on the Rise, New Regulation is Needed

A recent study reveals that over the last decade, as cigarette sales continue to decline, cigar sales have nearly doubled. Most concerning is 91% of the cigar market is dominated by little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs), many of which are flavored, using the same chemicals found in candy. The availability of LCCs is rising as […]

Marketing of Flavored Cigarettes Continued After Ban

In an effort to reduce the appeal of tobacco products and discourage young people from smoking, several governments have banned the sale of flavored cigarettes. In the United States, the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits companies from selling cigarettes with artificial flavors, such as strawberry and grape, with the exception of menthol. Nonetheless, […]

Little Cigar and Cigarillo Sales on the Rise, New Regulation is Needed

A recent study reveals that over the last decade, as cigarette sales continue to decline, cigar sales have nearly doubled. Most concerning is 91% of the cigar market is dominated by little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs), many of which are flavored, using the same chemicals found in candy. The availability of LCCs is rising as […]

Marketing of Flavored Cigarettes Continued After Ban

In an effort to reduce the appeal of tobacco products and discourage young people from smoking, several governments have banned the sale of flavored cigarettes. In the United States, the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits companies from selling cigarettes with artificial flavors, such as strawberry and grape, with the exception of menthol. Nonetheless, […]

Despite Regulation, Minors Can Still Buy Cigarettes Online

In a new study, online vendors shipped cigarettes to minors via the U.S. Postal Service. Many also advertised products banned in the United States. Many regulations seek to curtail youth access to cigarettes and discourage tobacco vendors from marketing their products to minors. These include federal age verification requirements, shipping regulations, and bans on certain […]