Blowing Off Steam
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And as of today, the same is true for steam. In a much-anticipated move, the FDA has announced that it will extend its jurisdiction to all tobacco products, including the e-cigarettes that are part of an industry that is worth $3 billion and spreading like wildfire. Sales of e-cigs to minors will be banned (which could put a damper on the popularity of bubblegum and watermelon-flavored vapes), and the ruling should accelerate the pace at which the industry and its customers are forced to learn more about the health ramifications of vaping. Vox has a good overview of the new rules: The Wild West of e-cigarettes just ended with a new, sweeping federal rule.
+ California just became the second state (after Hawaii) to raise the smoking age to 21. The state also is about to ban vaping from many public places (which could make it harder to find people to whom you can feel instantly superior.)
+ Wired: What’s Inside E-Cigarette Juice: Alcohol, More Alcohol, and Lots of Secrets.