As we mention in an earlier post, the American Association of Public Health Physicians has submitted two petitions to the FDA. The first asks the FDA to classify electronic cigarettes as reduced harm tobacco products. The second asks the FDA to hold a follow-up press conference to amend statements made at their July 22nd, 2009 press conference in which they potentially misled the public about the potential dangers of electronic cigarettes.

We encourage all e-smokers and those who believe in the technology, to first read the two AAPHP petitions and then make public comments about them to the FDA.

To make a comment on the first petition, asking the FDA to classify the electronic cigarette as a reduced harm tobacco product, visit this Regulations.gov page and just fill in the blanks.

If you need ideas about how to express your opinions, read the points below:

  • the nicotine in the e-liquid is derived from tobacco, thus the FDA can legally reclassify and regulate the e-liquid as a tobacco product
  • a classification of e-cigarettes as “drugs” or “devices” would limit access, increase cost, and create an unfair market advantage for tobacco cigarettes
  • e-cigarettes as tobacco products would allow for reasonable regulations such as a ban on the sale to minors
  • federal Judge Richard Leon ruled that the FDA can regulate e-cigarettes as “tobacco products”, but not as “drugs” or “devices”
  • write about your personal experience using e-cigarettes or that of someone you know

    • To make a comment on the second petition, asking the FDA to amend their earlier statements about electronic cigarettes, visit this Regulations.gov page and fill in the blanks.

    If you need ideas about how to express your opinions, first read How and Why the FDA Misled the Public and consider these points:

  • in contrast to claims made by the FDA, there is no evidence that e-cigarettes have harmed any user or nonuser
  • there is no evidence that e-cigarettes are marketed to youth
  • cigarette smokers have a right to truthful information
  • FDA officials have an ethical duty to protect consumer health and to provide truthful health risk information
  • write about your personal experience using e-cigarettes or that of someone you know

    • Please take the time to forward your thoughts to the FDA. It is important that truthful information, good or bad, is given to smokers so they can make their own choice.