U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty is highlighting new tighter controls on the liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes. She said the substance can prove fatal in small doses to children.
At a Hartford news conference, Esty said children are enticed by this product’s flavoring and marketing, and federal standards are needed to protect them from accidental exposure. She led the effort to pass the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act in the House.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who joined Esty at the news conference, said even in small doses liquid nicotine can kill a child. He said cases of accidental poisonings have skyrocketed in recent years, sending children across Connecticut and nationwide to emergency rooms with serious health consequences. Blumenthal, who pushed the bill through the Senate, said the mandated childproof caps will help reduce exposure.
The new law will set packaging requirements for liquid nicotine containers and devices to protect children. Liquid nicotine is used in e-cigarettes and is available in a multitude of flavors like cotton candy, strawberry, and bubblegum. The bill is awaiting the president’s expected signature.
