In April, 2014, the

Register, which would regulate electronic cigarettes nationally as a tobacco product, including age

restrictions similar to those for conventional cigarettes. The proposed rule will be enforceable once it

is finalized. (16)Originally, e-cigarettes were designed as an aid to quit smoking conventional

cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and is present in most e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes

ping people quit smoking? Until

also contain cancer-causing substances. Are they effective in help

large, controlled trials are conducted, no one will know for sure. (17)We do know that e-cigarette

manufacturers have been very clever in marketing to middle and high school students with colorful

packaging, fun flavors and cool accessories. Some researches warn that e-cigarettes are a gateway

device for nicotine addiction among youth. In a study of nearly 40 000 youths around the US, the

authors concluded that, Use of e-cigarettes does not discourage, and may encourage, conventional

cigarette use among US adolescents. (18)Dr. Janie Heath, an expert on the effects of tobacco on

smokers, offers this insight into the problem: "When we look at 95 percent of individuals that smoke

cigarettes, they all started before the age 21. So, there's the likelihood of these younger ones

starting on electronic cigarettes, and wanting to have more and more of a hit. "Dr. Heath also

warns that"it's harder to help individuals quit smoking than to get them off crack cocaine, heroin or

any of the other drugs. "(19) Celebrities will resist the allure of advertising e-cigarettes in

magazines, and also in movies, knowing that their advertisements have a powerful effect on

teenagers.