Senators look for e-cigarette marketing limits

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Several U.S. senators are co-sponsoring a bill that would curb electronic cigarette marketing while the fast-growing industry awaits federal regulation.

The bill introduced Wednesday by California Sen. Barbara Boxer, Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin and others would ban marketing to children based on standards set by the Federal Trade Commission.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid nicotine solution and create vapor that's inhaled.

Harkin says e-cigarette makers are attempting to create a new generation of nicotine addicts.

A 2009 law gave the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco products, including restricting marketing.

The agency first said it planned to assert authority over e-cigarettes in 2011 but has yet to do so.

The proposed FDA regulation was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review in October.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related topics