US docs want stronger regulations of e-cigarettes

Washington: The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has strongly recommended that the minimum age to purchase tobacco products -- including e-cigarettes -- should be increased to 21 years nationwide.

In a comprehensive set of policies announced on Monday, the AAP has stressed the need to protect youngsters from ill-effects of tobacco and nicotine. "Tobacco use continues to be a major health threat to children, adolescents and adults," said Karen M. Wilson from Children's Hospital Colorado.

"The developing brains of children and teens are particularly vulnerable to nicotine, which is why the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents is so alarming and dangerous to their long-term health," Wilson said. The AAP has urged the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems the same as other tobacco products.