During a recent congressional hearing, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb faced questioning from legislators concerned about the growing number of adolescents using e-cigarettes. Most e-cigarettes emit numerous potentially toxic substances and particulate matter and carry as much nicotine as traditional cigarettes. JUUL, a popular e-cigarette resembling a USB, is popular among teenagers and adolescents because of its design and variety of flavors including mango, cool cucumber, and crème brulee.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a ranking member of the House Committee on Appropriations, argued that some of the “kid-friendly” flavors found in e-cigarettes have been introduced in violation of an FDA rule requiring a premarket review of all new e-cigarettes entering the marketplace after August of 2016.

Commissioner Gottlieb assured members of the committee that the FDA would be “stepping into this fight in a vigorous way in the coming weeks,” and warned that adult access to e-cigarettes could be reined in if the number of kids using them continues to climb.

Impact on General Dentistry: Young people who use e-cigarettes are at an increased risk of using conventional cigarettes and developing an addiction to nicotine. The AGD will continue to monitor developments in tobacco legislation and regulation as it pertains to oral health.