E-Cigarettes: Emerging Issues for State Public Health

Since the 1964 Surgeon General’s report formally established the severe health risks of smoking, the U.S. has made considerable progress on tobacco control. The emergence of novel tobacco products such as electronic-cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”), however, presents new challenges to state public health agencies. As the popularity of e-cigarettes continues to grow, controversy has arisen over categorizing and regulating this new product. This presentation identifies emerging issues relevant to state health agencies, provides examples outlining how some states addressed the issue of e-cigarette regulations, and highlights efforts of the ASTHO E-cigarette workgroup. Specific examples from states on restricting use of e-cigarettes on state owned and leased properties, restricting youth access, including e-cigarettes in clean indoor air legislation and the taxation of e-cigarettes will be explored. Furthermore, this session will help participants be more aware of some of the key resources available in developing and implementing e-cigarettes legislation and to identify at least 2-3 strategies to share with their own communities and state partners.