COLUMBUS, Ohio – A state Senate panel has scheduled a possible vote Tuesday on a measure that would ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors in Ohio.
UPDATE: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously approved H.B. 144 Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) aims to keep the products out of the hands of those under age 18. But the measure has raised concerns from some anti-smoking groups, such as the Ohio State Medical Association, because it defines the items as “alternative nicotine products” rather than tobacco-derived products.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide users with aerosol puffs that typically contain nicotine, and sometimes flavorings like fruit, mint or chocolate.
They have often been described as a less dangerous alternative to regular cigarettes. But there are few studies exploring exactly what chemicals are in them, and in what concentrations, and whether those levels are harmful.
When her measure cleared the House in November, Kunze cited U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data which she said showed three-fourths of minors who use e-cigarettes also smoked regular cigarettes.