(1/7) Overall good article in @TIME on e-cig safety concerns. But what is often assumed in discussions re whether e-cigs are “safe” is that these are static products like combustible cigarettes that are what they are and cannot be improved. goo.gl/5HzSqu @Jamie_Ducharme
(2/7) But that is not the case. Rather, these are dynamic, evolving technology products for which nearly all safety concerns have solutions that can be engineered - and, in fact, have been solved in many products already on the market.
(3/7) Long-term studies are needed. But given the enormous potential public health benefit of these products (vs. ~500k annual smoking-related deaths in the U.S.), @FDATobacco’s focus should be on creating science-based standards to ensure these products are as safe as possible.
(4/7) Concerned about formaldehyde? Require devices have temperature controls to prevent their formation. Worried about “popcorn lung”? Restrict use of diacetyl and acetyl propionyl in e-liquid flavors (not that the science supports this is an actual concern in e-cigs).
(5/7) Don’t want heavy metals in your vape? Prevent use of certain materials that can come into contact with the e-liquid. Want to prevent exploding/overheating devices? @ULdialogue has already developed a standard to solve this (UL 8139).
(6/7) Of course, preventing all tobacco product access to adolescents who have never smoked is paramount. But the current regulatory framework will regulate e-cigs out of existence in the U.S. in just a few years...
(7/7) ...and continues to prevent innovative companies from bringing new potentially life-saving technologies to the market. nbcnews.com/business/consu…
