A U.S. lawmaker has announced an investigation into brands of vapes made in China and sold in the United States over concerns that the products contain unknown ingredients and are attractive to minors.
According to a report by WGN.TV on Dec. 2, an Illinois Congressman announced that he will investigate vape brands that are manufactured in China and sold in the U.S. market.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the US Congress, said that Chinese-made vapes are flooding the US market and being sold to children and adults. Officials are concerned because the ingredients in these vapes are sometimes more harmful than cigarette tar. According to their opinion, these vapes often have fruit and sugar flavors, which are designed to appeal to children and teenagers.
The lawmaker said at a news conference Monday,
- “Most of the vapes entering the market are illegally imported from China. We don’t know what they contain because these products are made in factories that the FDA doesn’t inspect at all.”
He added that such products come from illegal enterprises.
- On the same day, the United States Supreme Court held a hearing on the jurisdiction of FDA vapes. Currently, the FDA has approved 34 types of cigarettes and menthol vapes, but many types are still sold on shelves.
Tom Dart, Cook County Sheriff, said his officers try to get illegal vapes off the shelves, but in general, they have a hard time telling which products are reasonable and which are illegal.
- “We don’t know how to deal with this because if we take legal goods off the shelves, we will face lawsuits.” It was very confusing and frustrating for us.
- “Ultimately, we should remember this: our children are not for sale.”
