As the popularity of refillable electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices has grown, so have concerns about the safety of the liquid nicotine used in many of them.
State Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem) says the product is largely unregulated and it can be quite dangerous to young children. “Nicotine is a very very deadly substance in its pure form and mixing it with flavors and scents makes it very attractive to children,” she argues.
The Salem Republican is co-sponsoring a bill that would require liquid nicotine sold in the state to come in child-resistant packaging. “If these containers are not childproof…and somebody leaves one out on their counter or table, I’d be afraid a child may ingest it directly, which would be very harmful,” she argues.
There have been multiple cases nationwide of children becoming seriously ill and even dying, after ingesting liquid nicotine that was intended for use in an electronic vaping device.
The proposal received a public hearing at the Capitol this week and is awaiting action from an Assembly committee. Other states and federal officials are considering similar requirements.