WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 14, 2010 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released the following statement today in response to the ruling by a U.S. District judge stating that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to regulate electronic cigarettes as drug-device combinations.
“This disappointing decision represents a lost opportunity to protect consumer health. E-cigarettes, which are currently unregulated and widely sold, should be put through the same rigorous testing process as other FDA-regulated nicotine replacement therapy products to adequately protect consumers and assure their safety. We hope the U.S. government will pursue appeal options in this case to ensure that consumers who use these products understand exactly what is in them.”
ACS CAN is concerned that no comprehensive research has been conducted on the health effects of electronic cigarettes, but tests do show these devices contain chemical substances that have the potential to cause harmful health effects.
ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christina Saull
(202) 585-3250
[email protected]
Steven Weiss
(202) 661-5711
[email protected]