| NEWS | From the Office of
Representative Sheila Solon
31st District |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2014 |
CONTACT: Rep. Sheila Solon (573) 751-8636 |
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Rep. Sheila Solon Files Legislation to Implement Childproof Packaging for Electronic Cigarettes
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Sheila Solon filed legislation this week that would place restrictions on the packaging of electronic cigarettes. House Bill 147 would establish that all vapor products be sold in child-safe packaging.
If passed, the Department of Health and Senior Services would adopt rules establishing standards for child-safe packaging.
“Through the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, safety problems for our children are occurring due to contact with the liquid formulation used,” said Solon, R-Blue Springs. “Accidental ingestion of nicotine is very dangerous to children and can be deterred by requiring childproof safety packaging.”
Currently, New York and Vermont have initiated legislation to address this issue. Illinois passed a law this year requiring childproof packaging.
Illinois passed this legislation after concerns arose with the increase in calls to poison centers due to these devices. Solon stated that “the E-liquids used in these alternative cigarettes are poisonous and potentially lethal if ingested, inhaled or if absorbed through the skin. The liquids are nicotine based but also are mixed with flavoring such as types of candies and fruit. Some even come with the names of Gummy Bear Candy or Peanut Butter Cookie, which can be very appealing and persuasive to our children. With the implementation of safety caps for these E-liquids, we can prevent accidents like this from occurring.”
The proposal for safety packaging has been endorsed by the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National American Academy of Pediatrics.
The 98th General Assembly convenes on January 7, 2015.
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