E-cig regulation needs science base

Until science has proved e-cigarettes are a significant danger to their users or, more importantly, are a threat to nonusers inhaling the vapor, we believe local and state regulators should stand down.

E-cigarettes, patented by a Chinese pharmacist in 2003, are an alternative method of consuming nicotine, which is an addictive stimulant found in tobacco. Electronic cigarettes, however, contain no tobacco and don't require flame. They are battery-operated devices that convert liquid nicotine into a vapor, or mist, that can be inhaled. There is no combustion, no ash and no smokey smell.

Because the devices do not contain all the harmful chemicals associated with tobacco cigarettes, have no tar and do not result in carbon monoxide, they have been billed as a safer alternative for smokers.

We acknowledge there is no such thing as a completely safe cigarette, electronic or otherwise, but also stress new regulations or rules should be based on scientifically-proven threats to nonusers.

When the known dangers of traditional and electronic cigarettes are compared, our choice - if there must be one - is for vapor since current evidence points to reduced health cost to the user and no yet proven negative impacts on nonusers.

The liquid used in e-cig cartridges is usually propylene glycol, the same substance used to create smokey atmospheres in stage shows and an additive that the FDA has approved for use in food. A small percentage of adults are allergic to this substance, and a niche market of vegetable-based glycerin devices has developed.

Additional regulation should be placed on the tiny dropper bottles of nicotine, since some children have mistaken them for ingestibles. We believe, of course, that no nicotine products should be sold to minors and that supervising adults should be made aware of the dangers of nicotine liquids.

Iowa and national scientists should be encouraged and perhaps incentivized to take a closer look at the devices. We'd like to see clear labeling as to nicotine content so that smokers know how much of the stimulant they are inhaling and can, if desired, use these alternatives to wean themselves from the chemical.

We need more science before backing strong local or state government regulation of e-cigarettes. There's not enough proof that vaping is a health threat to others, which should be the threshold for new rules.

l Comments: editorial@thegazette.com, (319) 398-8292.