Big Island vaping proponents say a new federal rule that puts electronic cigarettes on par with most other tobacco products could hurt the industry and people who use the devices to quit smoking, while an agency that promotes a tobacco-free lifestyle in Hawaii applauded the measure.
Big Island vaping proponents say a new federal rule that puts electronic cigarettes on par with most other tobacco products could hurt the industry and people who use the devices to quit smoking, while an agency that promotes a tobacco-free lifestyle in Hawaii applauded the measure.
The rule, enacted Monday, gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the manufacture, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes — also known as e-cigarettes, the use of which is called vaping — for the first time since the devices were introduced 10 years ago.
The rule bans sales to minors (although Hawaii law already bans sales to people younger than 21). It also prohibits free product samples and selling e-cigarettes in vending machines, excluding adults-only facilities. The rule requires all vaping device and product manufacturers to register with the FDA and to report the ingredients in their products.
The FDA said the rule aims to “protect Americans from tobacco-related diseases” and that e-cigarette use among high school students has “skyrocketed” nationwide. That also appears to be the case locally: nearly half of Big Island public high school students have tried electronic cigarette devices, according to data in the 2015 Hawaii State Youth Risk Behavior Survey released earlier this year.
“The FDA recognizes that some tobacco products have the potential to be less harmful than others,” according to information on the FDA’s website. “But more evidence is needed … if any product promotes young people to become addicted to nicotine, reduces a person’s interest in quitting cigarettes and/or leads to long-term usage with other tobacco products, the public health impact could be negative.”
Long-term health risks of vaping aren’t well-known.
The American Lung Association say most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is “an addictive substance,” “not safe” and has “a negative impact on adolescent brain development.” The association says the devices also might pose concern for poisoning — for example, through accidental ingestion of the liquid.
E-cigarette proponents tout the products, however, as a safer alternative to smoking. Up to 98 percent of customers at the Hilo-based “Vapor Bar“ are smokers trying to quit or stay off tobacco, said owner Ben Yegiazaryan.
“My dad passed away after smoking two packs a day and I was a smoker myself,” Yegiazaryan said. “When I converted to vaping, I wanted to save lives. It’s an alternative — if you’re going to smoke, you may as well smoke this.”
Most customers at Irie Hawaii’s multiple smoke shops islandwide also are former smokers or trying to quit, owner Mariner Revell said. Revell said he doesn’t anticipate the latest rule will directly impact his business but worries regulations make it harder for people to use them.
For example, he said, the county enacted an ordinance last year banning the use of electronic smoking devices wherever smoking tobacco products is prohibited. That includes county beaches and parks, restaurants and in cars where minors are present.
“Every time they pass a law condemning e-cigarettes, they’re condemning people to death,” Revell said. “It’s sad that these politicians and regulatory agencies are choosing money over people’s health. Because I’d bet my last dollar e-cigarettes are helping more people than they’re harming. It’s really sad you have the government harming the consumer and the small business guy trying to get ahead in life.”
Sally Ancheta, East Hawaii coordinator for the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii applauded the new rule Monday, calling it “critically important” toward “the tobacco endgame.” She said there’s “nothing but anecdotal evidence” saying vaping helps people quit smoking.
The rule “makes it much more difficult for youth to get hooked on tobacco products, prohibiting sampling and vending machine sales and setting in place a process to tackle the rampant, unregulated production and marketing of e-cigarettes and little cigars,” Ancheta said in a statement.
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.