The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a “deeming” rule in May 2016 that extends its regulatory authority to e-cigarettes, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, and cigars. The announcement comes after a five-year wait for the rule. Since 2011, high school student use of e-cigarettes increased from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015, according to the FDA.
In a new viewpoint, Tony Yang, associate professor of health administration and policy, and Micah L. Berman of Ohio State University, examine the youth-related concerns and advertising restrictions included in the deeming rule. The viewpoint is published in JAMA Pediatrics.
The authors argue that while the final publication of the deeming rule is a step forward to regulating these products, there needs to be increased efforts in restricting e-cigarette advertising and the sale of flavored e-cigarettes to improve the public’s health. Read the full viewpoint.