New bill aims to reduce teen e-cigarette use by restricting flavors

WASHINGTON DC (WIFR) -- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is proposing a new bill that imposes strong restrictions on e-cigarette flavors.

The SAFE Kids Act also calls for a ban on all cigar flavors. Durbin says research shows teens use e-cigarettes at an alarming rate – up more than 650 percent from five years ago.

He says the popularity can be partially attributed to flavors appealing to kids – like cake batter, whipped cream and gummy bear.

The bill would give manufacturers one year to prove their products help adults quit smoking cigarettes, don’t increase young people’s first use of nicotine or tobacco products and don’t increase a risk of harm to the person using a flavor.

If they don’t meet the criteria, the products could be pulled off the market.

Durbin says e-cigarettes represent the re-invention of smoking.

"Unfortunately, kids don’t understand that e-cigarettes are highly addictive, harmful to their developing brains, and can lead to a lifetime of tobacco addiction," he said. "These products, especially flavors that shamelessly appeal to kids, are doing more harm than good.”