OLYMPIA – Washington will be the first state in the nation to ensure consumers know the actual nicotine content and what toxic and carcinogenic substances are in e-cigarettes and “vape” products under a bill passed out of the House.
“Washington State took a big step forward to preventing a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine with today’s vote to regulate e-cigarettes,” said prime sponsor of the bill Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-Seattle). “Consumers deserve to know, and need to know, what they are inhaling into their lungs.”
Testing by the FDA and independent researchers have repeatedly found major brands of “vape” products, including flavors marketed to teens, had far higher nicotine levels than disclosed. Indeed, some which said they had no nicotine, actually had high levels of addictive nicotine.
“This is about keeping people safe,” said Rep. Pollet.
A quarter of high school seniors used e-cigarettes and vapor products last year – a dramatic increase. There are no current state laws in Washington regulating the sales of e-cigarettes and other vaping products to minors. HB 1645 will require retailers to be licensed and have the same restrictions on sales of these products as cigarettes.
“I’d like to thank Governor Inslee and Attorney General Ferguson for making this bill protecting youth from nicotine addiction a major priority” said Rep. Pollet. ”I appreciate that they have worked tirelessly on this issue for two years.”
The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.