Nation’s largest doctors’ group seeks strict e-cigarette regulations at policy-making meeting

CHICAGO – The American Medical Association is pledging to use its lobbying power to seek strict limits on electronic cigarettes.

The nation’s largest doctors’ group agreed on Tuesday to support the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed restrictions on buying, packaging and advertising e-cigarettes. Those include a ban on selling to minors and warning labels.

But the AMA also is urging restrictions on e-cigarette flavours like bubble gum and cotton candy that could appeal to kids, along with childproof packaging.

The FDA wants more evidence on e-cigarettes but hasn’t ruled out regulations on sweet flavours in addition to its proposals announced in April.

Research on health effects of e-cigarettes is scarce but they use vapour infused with nicotine, which can be addictive.

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Online:

AMA: http://wwww.ama-assn.org

FDA: http://www.fda.gov