Legislative Panel Focuses On e-Cigarette Regulation In Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Public health advocates told an Indiana legislative committee there's no scientific consensus on whether electronic cigarettes pose any health risks even as a growing number of youths are trying them.

Brianna Herndon of the American Cancer Society told the Legislature's public policy study committee Tuesday the jury's still out on e-cigarettes' health risks. She noted that a recent study found nearly 25 percent of Indiana high school seniors had used e-cigarettes in the past month.

That's more than had smoked traditional tobacco and Herndon says those statistics suggest e-cigarettes should be treated like tobacco.

The Indianapolis Star reports e-cigarette proponents argued the products can help people quit smoking traditional tobacco.

American Vaping Association President Greg Conley said "every time a smoker switches to these products, the public health benefits."