The many dangers of e-cigs and vaping

While I am pleased to hear that California is finally addressing e-cigarette regulation, I find it incomprehensible that it has taken so long to draft legislation to regulate these obviously dangerous products.

How can society allow addictive tobacco products like these to be sold to minors? In addition, there is no oversight on the production of the liquids used in e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Not only do the liquids contain poisonous and potentially carcinogenic substances, but literally anyone can produce these “juices,” with no training or permits, and sell them in the open market.

Probably the most well-known danger associated with the used of e-cigarettes or vape pens is their propensity to spontaneously explode, causing severe burns to the user.

One of the reasons we have laws is to save us from ourselves. Many people do not like wearing a seat belt, but the seat-belt law saves countless lives each year.

I hope Gov. Jerry Brown joins with the Legislature in putting the health and well-being of its citizens above tobacco company profits.

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 7:24 AM with the headline "The many dangers of e-cigs and vaping."