Electronic Cigarettes

What is the editorial’s central claim?

This editorial states electronic cigarettes should be regulated. There are many ideas and rules stated in this editorial that would make our environment balanced and respectable considering the rules are followed. There are positive aspects of these devices as well as negative aspects. For instance, some users say that these devices have helped them with quitting and they allow them to inhale nicotine vapor without ingesting tar and other cancer-causing substances. On the other hand, e-cigarettes do contain nicotine and other dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde. This editorial demonstrates a way that everyone can be happy if the regulations are enforced. It is also mentions the latest status of teenagers regarding electronic cigarettes.

What is a significant piece of evidence used to support the argument?

The European Parliament voted to ban the advertising of electronic cigarettes. Not only to ban them, but to limit the amount of nicotine in each device (20 milligrams per milliliter). The United States needs to take this idea into consideration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently did a study and found out that the e-cigarette industry is targeting children and young adults. These devices are available in flavors like “french vanilla” and “banana cream” which is attracting children as young as junior high. It was also stated that one maker recently used Santa Clause in one of it’s advertisements. E-cigarettes are a growing industry and people who have never smoked before are becoming more and more interested in them. Along with the banning of advertising and limitations of nicotine in each device, their packaging must include a warning label warning the customer about the addictiveness and toxicity. Not only this, but the packaging must be childproof. This rules will go into effect in 2016. Comparing these regulations in Europe to the United States, only 26 states are known to have banned the sale of e-cigarettes to people younger than 18. 

What is your opinion of the claim? Add your voice.

I agree with this claim and the idea of it being balanced because if the United States bans electronic cigarettes all together, that wouldn’t necessarily stop people from using these devices. The marketing restrictions will make children less likely to use them. E-cigarettes are harmful to everyone although they can be a good substitute for people who smoke tobacco cigarettes. I believe that before we, the United States, make a law that bans electronic cigarettes all together, there should be experiments to increase our knowledge and understanding about them considering they have not been around for long and we don’t know of any long-term, harmful effects.