Delaware becomes the latest state to ban e-cigarette sales to minors

A bill that will ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors is headed to the governor’s desk.

On Tuesday, Delaware lawmakers passed a bill that will make it illegal to sell tobacco-substitute products to anyone under the age of 18. Earlier this year, legislators also introduced a bill that would ban the use of e-cigarettes in public places where smoking is prohibited.

E-cigarettes deliver nicotine via water vapor and are marketed as a “safer” alternative to traditional cigarettes. At present, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated e-cigarettes for safety or effectiveness, according to the FDA.

“We’re just starting to learn about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes,” said Sen. Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere, co-sponsor of the bill. “And we have an obligation to keep young people from getting addicted to them, especially while the jury is still out on whether they’re a safe product.”

At least 27 other states have passed similar legislation.