Pediatricians say ‘ban all tobacco products until age 21’

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the foremost professional association of pediatricians in the US, wants the government to strengthen measures in regulating use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Public policy should focus on treating ENDS products similarly to conventional cigarettes; that is, sales to and use of ENDS should be restricted to those over 21, youth-targeted advertisements should be eliminated, and flavored ENDS should be banned.

There is no scientific evidence that supports the efficacy or safety of e-cigarettes as a tobacco dependence treatment product.

“Right now there are states where you can sell an electronic cigarette to a 6-year-old”, said Karen Wilson, M.D., chair of the AAP Section on Tobacco Control.

The free reign of the e-cigarette industry soon may be going up in smoke.

The AAP released its list of recommendations through its National Conference & Exhibition on October 26, and also through the journal Pediatrics. In fact, e-cigarette use among teens is associated with a higher likelihood of using regular tobacco and lower rates of smoking cessation.

“Protecting children from tobacco products is one of the most important things that a society can do to protect children’s health”, the AAP policy statement read.

In addition, older teens often buy tobacco products for younger ones, Farber said. The candy-flavored liquids and unregulated advertisements appeal to adolescents.

The AAP recommends smoke-free laws that already govern secondhand smoke be expanded to include e-cigarettes. The group recommends that use of any tobacco or nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, be banned in all workplaces, schools, dormitories, bars, restaurants, health care facilities, sidewalks, parks, recreational and sports facilities, entertainment venues and multi-unit housing. Pediatricians should screen for ENDS use, provide counseling and education about the harms of ENDS use, and include advice for preventing accidental exposure of young children and acute nicotine poisoning.

The AAP also recommended banning advertising of tobacco products and e-cigarettes in all media, including television, radio, print, billboards, signs and online, and in stores where children and teens might see them.

Another major recommendation called for child-resistant packaging for liquid nicotine.