WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that legislation he supported to protect children from harmful electronic cigarettes is set to be signed into law by President Obama.  The bill requires that the liquid nicotine used in the devices be packaged in child-resistant containers, and it will mark the first new federal law regulating e-cigarettes.

The Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act (S.142) treats the packaging of liquid nicotine the same as household substances covered under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970, which requires the use of childproof bottles and containers.  Liquid nicotine, used to refill e-cigarettes, has drawn concern from parents, public health and medical experts, and consumer advocates for its bright packaging and candy-like flavors, which makes the harmful substance attractive to children.  The law will require manufacturers to come into compliance with the new regulation within six months.

“E-cigarettes are just as dangerous as the old-fashioned kind.  These are new delivery systems for the same harmful substances we have been warned about for decades, and our laws have a lot of catching up to do to protect public health and our young people.  This law requiring child-proof packaging for liquid nicotine will be a critical first step, but there is more work to be done,” said Senator Reed.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, liquid nicotine is a highly toxic substance when ingested or absorbed through the skin, and as little as half a teaspoon can be fatal if ingested by an average-sized toddler.  In 2014, poison control centers received more than 3,000 calls related to e-cigarette and liquid nicotine exposure, and one toddler died.

The Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and cosponsored by Reed, was passed by the U.S. Senate last month and advanced in the House this week by voice vote.  According to the White House, President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.

Senator Reed has also worked to implement additional regulations on e-cigarettes to protect public health and our young people.  In April 2015, Reed called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to strengthen and finalize regulations for e-cigarettes to prohibit the marketing of these products to children and address e-cigarette flavorings that appeal to minors.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014 alone, about 2.4 million middle and high school students were current (past 30-day) users of electronic cigarettes and more than 18 million (7 in 10) U.S. middle and high school youth were exposed to e-cigarette ads.

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